CHICAGO – February 1, 2001 – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, but in children good oral care is critical every day. The first comprehensive study on the nation’s oral health released recently by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General calls dental and oral diseases a “silent epidemic,” even in children. The report states that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness. In fact, a recent study pointed to dental care as the most prevalent unmet health need among American children.

To help counter this, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is launching an effort to educate children and parents about the prevention of dental diseases – including periodontal disease – in children.

“This is important because oral problems can impact self-esteem for children and lead to problems eating, speaking and attending to learning,” said Michael McGuire, D.D.S., president of the AAP.

Common dental problems seen in children are cavities and gingivitis, which is found in the majority of U.S. children. “When these problems are not caught early and treated, they can develop into more severe problems and cause unnecessary suffering,” said McGuire. “However, much of the time, oral problems are avoidable problems.”

In the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, a group of more than 120 dentists volunteers to deliver dental care to thousands of low-income children each year with its Mobile Dental Unit that travels from school to school.

“In the Rio Grand Valley, dental disease is the number one cause of absenteeism among elementary school children,” said AAP member David Woolweaver, D.D.S., a periodontist and the program director for Dentists Who Care. “It’s vitally important that all children see a dentist at an early age. I’ve found that those children see a dentist on a regular basis are the ones who take better care of their teeth and gums and don’t have the significant problems that I often see in children who haven’t seen a dentist previously.”

“According to the Surgeon General’s Report, about 37 percent of children have not had a dental visit before starting school,” said McGuire. “When children don’t see dental professionals they miss the opportunity to have problems caught early before they escalate into larger, more expensive problems to treat, and parents miss the opportunity to learn how to promote good oral habits in their children.”

In addition to advising regular dental visits that include a periodontal examination, the AAP offers these tips to parents to help ensure good oral health in children:

• Establish good oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. However, only use a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And, when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
• Serve as a good role model by practicing good oral health care habits yourself.
• Check your child’s mouth for any signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath.
• Make sure your child consumes a balanced diet. Studies have shown insufficient levels of calcium and vitamin C may make people more susceptible to periodontal disease.
• Educate your child regarding the health risks of using tobacco products. Smoking is the number one preventable risk factor for periodontal disease.
• A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Diseases in Children and Adolescents are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.
• Read AAP’s online feature on children’s oral health for more information.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – March 28, 2002 – “Your shoe lace is untied,” or “Look! A flock of geese” are just a few of the innocent tricks Americans play on friends on April 1. While most of these practical jokes are just fun and games, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) doesn’t want you to be fooled about taking care of your teeth and gums, which could negatively affect your teeth in the years to come.

“There are still many myths about oral health that people truly believe,” said Kenneth Bueltmann, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “If we can dispel these myths and educate children and adults about the real facts of proper oral hygiene, we might be able to help save teeth and produce a lifetime of smiles.”

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Oral Health in America Report, more than 50 percent of 5-9 year-old children have at least one cavity or filling, and that proportion increases to 78 percent among 17-year olds. Additionally, more than 75 percent of adults over age 35 have a form of periodontal disease, serious bacterial gum infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth.

“There’s no tomfoolery when it comes to taking care of your mouth,” said Bueltmann. “Dental cavities and periodontal disease are the number one reason for tooth loss. Knowing how to identify potential problems and incorporating a daily hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing could prevent your chances of tooth decay, tooth loss and other illnesses that may be linked to infections of the mouth.”

In order to help consumers distinguish between fact and fallacy regarding oral hygiene, the AAP has identified and addressed below the most common misconceptions about oral health.

Common Misconceptions About Oral Health

• The primary reason for brushing is to remove food debris. Daily brushing and flossing will also keep the formation of plaque to a minimum. If not removed every 26 hours, plaque will irritate the gums, which can lead to periodontal disease.
• Bleeding gums are normal. Bleeding gums are one of the eight signs of gum disease. Think of gum tissue as the skin on your hand. If your hands bled every time you washed them, you would know something is wrong.
• Oral health doesn’t affect overall health. When the gums are infected, periodontal bacterial byproducts can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs and set off other problems. Research suggests this may: contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation’s leading cause of death; increase the risk of stroke; increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low birth weight baby; and pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory diseases or osteoporosis.
• Bad breath is caused by a lack of oral hygiene. Excellent oral hygiene doesn’t necessarily relieve bad breath. There are certain kinds of bacteria in the mouth that produce volatile sulfur compounds. If these sulfur compounds build up enough, the result can be clinical bad breath, reports the American Dental Association. In addition to brushing and flossing, brushing the tongue (where the sulfur resides) can help eliminate bad breath.
• Cavities are the number one cause of tooth loss. Together periodontal disease and cavities are the primary cause of tooth loss.
• Pregnant women should skip professional dental checkups. Periodontal health can affect unborn babies’ health. Studies have shown an infection during pregnancy, including periodontal disease, is cause for concern and may increase the risk of delivering a premature, low-birth weight baby. The best way to avoid this problem is to visit a periodontist for a full periodontal evaluation.
• Stress does not cause problems in the mouth. High levels of financial stress and poor coping abilities increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. Researchers found people who dealt with financial strain in an active and practical way (problem-focused) rather than with avoidance techniques (emotion-focused) had no more risk of severe periodontal disease than those without money problems.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Disease: What You Need to Know are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – December 12, 2002 – Holiday stressors such as gift giving, job losses and a flailing economy could make your pockets deeper than you thought this holiday season. Periodontal pockets that is, otherwise known as the spaces between your teeth and gums caused by an oral bacterial infection.

Previous research reported in the American Academy of Periodontology’s Journal of Periodontology stated that an ever-present financial stress and lack of adequate coping skills could lead to altered habits, such as reducing oral hygiene, teeth grinding, salivary changes and the weakening of the body’s ability to fight infection.

“The good news is that many of these risk factors for periodontal diseases can be controlled with minimal personal time and financial resources,” explained Michael Rethman, D.D.S., and president-elect of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “The best way to prevent periodontal diseases is through effective daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits that include a periodontal exam and thorough cleaning.”

He also added, “More importantly it’s paramount to get to the root of our holiday stress in order to minimize the harm it could cause to our bodies.”

According to a major health Web site, spending money is the number-one source of holiday stress for people. Rethman advises consumers not to fall into the trap of spending too much money during the holiday season. “Show your family and friends you care about them by spending time with them instead of buying an overly expensive gift,” said Rethman. “You may also want to explain your budget to your children, so they understand too.”

Rethman recommends the following tips to alleviate their stress during the holiday season:

• Take one thing at a time and be realistic about your expectations
• Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet
• Don’t disrupt your sleep patterns
• Meditate
• Allow enough time for yourself each day to perform daily tasks such as brushing and flossing

In addition to brushing and flossing at least twice daily, and regular dental visits, Rethman recommends replacing toothbrushes every few months or when the bristles begin to look frayed and to floss daily to break up the bacterial colonies between teeth that can cause periodontal diseases. “Toothbrushes make excellent stocking stuffers,” said Rethman.

Periodontal diseases, also known as gum diseases, are chronic infections that affect the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed. Left untreated with time, teeth can become loose and may eventually fall out.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled How to Brush and Floss are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – June 8, 2000 – With the realization that periodontal disease may result in even more serious consequences than tooth loss, some people are beginning to spend a little more time with their toothbrush and floss. A growing body of research links periodontal disease to heart disease, diabetes, preterm and low birth weight babies, and respiratory disease.

“The research is very compelling,” says Jack Caton, D.D.S., M.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “And when I talk to my patients about how periodontal bacteria can travel to other parts of the body and cause problems, they often view the importance of periodontal health in a new light.”

Heart Disease

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Studies indicate that periodontal disease may foster the development of clogged arteries and blood clots when oral bacteria get into the blood stream. Periodontal disease also has been known to exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist can work together to determine if one’s heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. Research is also showing that periodontal disease can make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar because severe periodontal disease somehow increases blood sugar. A study in the Journal of Periodontology in 1997 involving 113 Pima Indians with both diabetes and periodontal disease found that when their periodontal infections were treated, the management of their diabetes markedly improved.

Premature Birth

Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor. Furthermore, data suggests that women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.

Respiratory Disease

Research suggests that bacteria found in the throat as well as bacteria in the mouth can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract causing infections or worsening existing lung conditions. Studies are in progress to learn to what extent oral hygiene and periodontal disease may be associated with more frequent bouts of respiratory disease in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

While numerous studies point to periodontal disease as a risk factor for these health conditions, proof that treating periodontal disease will benefit overall health will come only with so-called intervention studies. These types of studies are currently underway to answer questions such as: If periodontal disease is treated, is the patient less likely to have a premature baby?

“Once this research is complete, I think we’ll begin to see a major change in how we manage patients. Medical and dental practitioners will have to work together much more closely,” said Caton. “In the meantime, taking care of your gums will definitely help prevent tooth loss, and it may make you healthier as well,” said Caton.

While an estimated 35 percent of the population age 30 and over has periodontitis an advanced form of periodontal disease), many people do not even realize they have it. Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. Signals that you should visit a dentist or periodontist include:

• Bleeding gums during brushing
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Consumers can learn more about the link between periodontal disease and other health risks by visiting the AAP’s web site at www.perio.org and going to the special section The Mouth Body Connection.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Diseases: What You Need to Know are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – October 11, 2000 – Periodontists say that many of their patients should be doing more to protect their periodontal health, according to a recent online poll of periodontists conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

Are the majority of your patients adequately concerned about the health of their gums?

Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Nearly 90 percent of the 201 periodontists polled reported that flossing frequency is one of the areas of oral care that patients are most lax in, and about 61 percent reported that their patients’ flossing technique could use improvement, two essential components of an effective oral care regimen.

According to the poll, the biggest offenders are overwhelmingly male patients. Ninety-seven percent of those surveyed reported that their female patients practice better oral hygiene habits than males.

Not only is it important for patients to establish a regular routine for oral care, it is also important that they use proper techniques so that they don’t damage their gums. In the survey, hard bristled toothbrushes beat out popcorn seeds and candy as the item having done the most damage to patients’ periodontal health. And several periodontists wrote in that they’d also seen improperly used oral rinses, toothpicks and floss holders cause damage.

Unsatisfactory home care seems to persist despite the fact that nearly all the periodontists surveyed reported that they or a staff member review and ask patients to demonstrate oral home care techniques either every visit or on those visits when it seems necessary. When trying to motivate and educate patients, periodontists report that mirrors, X-rays, and drawings or photos depicting periodontal disease are helpful. “I like to have the patient and spouse in the exam room and show both, with a hand mirror, the difference between healthy gums and disease. I point out plaque and pocket depths,” said Steven Uretsky, D.M.D., a private practitioner in Pittsburgh. Patients should not be afraid to ask their periodontists to help them improve their oral care techniques or to use visuals to help them understand what’s happening in their mouth, said survey participants.

And, when it comes to motivating factors to accept treatment, nearly 71 percent of periodontists reported their patients are most motivated by a fear of loosing teeth. However, other important reasons cited for seeking periodontal treatment included aesthetic reasons such as improving the look of the gum line or getting rid of bad breath, improving functional problems such as difficulty chewing, and lowering the risk of heart disease, respiratory disease, preterm births or diabetes.

While patients often cite lack of time and dexterity problems as reasons for not flossing, many periodontists report having heard some rather unique excuses, including: I used all of my floss tying up my tomato plants; I gag when I see what comes out when I floss; and, my kids use it to tie up their siblings, so we can’t keep it in the house. Excuses aside, as many periodontists like to point out, it’s only important to floss the teeth you want to keep.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled How to Brush and Floss are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – August 20, 2002 – Answer: A toothbrush. As summer comes to an end, many Americans are rushing to their favorite vacation spot to enjoy the final days of summer. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) surveyed 71 periodontists to offer oral health tips and ensure consumers stick with their oral hygiene regimen while on vacation.

“Most consumers naturally spend more time thinking about which outfits they are going to pack for their vacation than their oral health needs,” said Kenneth Bueltmann, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “This is unfortunate because there are several things to take into consideration regarding your oral health especially if you are traveling abroad.”

For example, 59 percent of periodontists surveyed recommend storing toothbrushes in containers with air holes that allow bristles to completely dry, killing oral bacteria, and keep other family members’ toothbrushes from touching. Ninety-seven percent recommend cleaning these travel containers before and after travel. Yet more than one-third of all patient respondents indicated that they never thought to clean their containers.

In order to avoid bacterial growth when traveling or at home, some periodontists recommended that patients wash their toothbrushes periodically in the dishwasher, store it in the refrigerator or place it in a cup with mouthwash.

“It is important to disinfect your toothbrush and storage container frequently to kill potentially harmful bacteria that could cause periodontal disease, a serious bacterial infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that holds teeth in the mouth,” said Bueltmann. “In addition, allow your toothbrush to dry completely in an opened-air environment after each brushing. The bacteria, most harmful to the gums, are anaerobic, which means they will die if they are exposed to oxygen.”

For those traveling out of the country, 74 percent of periodontists suggest using bottled water to brush teeth to avoid the possibility of becoming ill due to the various microorganisms sometimes found in foreign water supplies. Other respondents recommended boiling water if bottled water is not available. The majority of periodontists indicated that toothbrushes should be kept a safe distance away (2-5 feet) from the sink and toilet to avoid water contamination.

Putting It in a Nutshell:

• Pack extra oral hygiene accessories, as they may not be available in remote areas.
• Disinfect your toothbrush before and after your trip.
• Keep oral hygiene instruments dry and clean.
• Store your toothbrush in a container that has air holes when traveling.
• Keep toothbrushes safely away (approx. 2-5 feet) from the sink and toilet to avoid water contamination.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before flossing and brushing.
• Use bottled water to brush teeth when you are traveling abroad.
• Floss and use mouthwash if you forget your toothbrush and are unable to purchase a new one.
• When purchasing a toothbrush while traveling abroad, make sure you select a soft-bristled brush.
• If you run out of toothpaste, brush with water. As long as your technique is correct, plaque will still be removed.
• Do not share toothbrushes. Oral bacteria can be passed to other family members and can potentially spread periodontal diseases.

The good news is that more than 91 percent of patients surveyed continue their normal oral care routine while on vacation. The bad news is that only 27.5 percent of patient respondents brush their teeth two minutes or longer, while more than double the percentage of periodontist respondents (67.6 percent) recommend this regimen. Moreover, more than one-third of patient respondents don’t feel either they’re using the proper brushing technique or are not certain if they are.

Dr. Bueltmann explains that technique is everything. “If you don’t have the proper technique when brushing and flossing teeth, you won’t be cleaning as well as you could and you possibly might be harming your teeth and gums.”

Periodontal diseases are silently making their way into millions of Americans’ mouths and may represent a far more serious threat to their health than previously realized.

Approximately 15 percent of adults between 21 and 50 years old and 30 percent of adults over 50 have periodontal disease. Recent research has revealed that periodontal infections may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight babies and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory disease.

In September, the AAP is hosting its Annual Meeting in New Orleans to discuss periodontal diseases and their systemic links and new treatment techniques that periodontists can use to combat the disease.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled How to Brush and Floss are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO—February 2, 2009—Faced with plummeting investments and an unsteady job market, many Americans are feeling the effects of the recent economic crisis. In fact, a recent study by the American Psychological Association found that over 80 percent of Americans rank money and the economy as significant causes of stress. And while chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems, including a weakened immune system and increased blood pressure, it can also take its toll on periodontal health. If left untreated, periodontal disease may result in even more serious, and potentially expensive, overall health complications.

Stress and Your Smile

According to David Cochran, DDS, PhD, President of the American Academy of Periodontology and Chair of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, stress can make an individual more susceptible to harmful habits that negatively impact oral health. “Stress may lead an individual to abuse tobacco or alcohol, and to possibly even neglect his or her oral hygiene. These lifestyle choices are known risk factors for the development of periodontal disease, which has been connected to several other chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.”

A study published in the February 2009 Journal of Periodontology (JOP) confirmed that stress may interfere with oral hygiene. In the study, 56 percent of participants self-reported that stress led them to neglect regular brushing and flossing. In addition, the hormone cortisol may also play a role in the connection between stress and gum disease. Chronic stress is associated with higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol; previous research has found that increased amounts of cortisol in the bloodstream can lead to a more destructive form of periodontal disease.

“During periods of high stress such as what we are currently experiencing in this economic climate, individuals should seek healthy sources of relief such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep,” says Dr. Cochran. “Doing so can help maintain a healthy mouth, and potentially help ward off other negative health concerns.”

Preserve Your Gum Line, Improve Your Bottom Line

Reducing stress in an effort to avoid gum disease may not only help sustain overall health, but it might also help your pocketbook as well. A study published in the November 2007 Journal of Periodontology found that preventing periodontal disease may be one way to help lower your total health care expenses. In the study, patients with severe periodontal disease had