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) doesnt 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 Generals 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.

Theres 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 remo
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Contact: Shelia Naab
shelia@perio.org
312-573-3243
American Academy of Periodontology
28-Mar-2002


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