Floss your teeth -- on the double!

The study results support that old saying, and show that including flossing as an integral part of your regular oral care can help reduce the amount of periodontal disease-causing bacteria in the mouth; therefore helping you keep your teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by a build-up of bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Flossing, or using interdental cleaners, helps clean the bacterial plaque from between your teeth that regular brushing can't reach.

"As a practicing periodontist, I am constantly telling my patients to clean between their teeth more using dental floss or interdental cleaners," says Dr. Susan Karabin, President of the AAP. "Patients tend to think that flossing can't possibly make that much of a difference. But this study demonstrates that the addition of flossing to your dental hygiene routine can significantly reduce the amount of periodontal disease causing bacteria. Even after just two weeks!"

To learn more about gum disease, locate a periodontist, or to find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases, visit perio.org or call (800) FLOSS-EM (800/356-7736).

About the American Academy of Periodontology

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

From:

Meg Dempsey
American Academy of Periodontology
312/573-3242

EDITOR'S NOTE: A copy of the JOP article "Treatment Outcomes to Dental Flossing in Twins: Molecular Analysis of the Interproximal Microflora" is available to the media by contacting the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242. The public and/or non-AAP members can view a study abstract online, and the full-text of the study may be accessed online for $20.00 at http://www.joponline.org/.