According to a recent poll by the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontists say that many of their patients should be doing more to protect their periodontal health....

Results of AAP Survey on Patient Motivation, Habits, and Education

Patients should be doing more to protect their periodontal health.

CHICAGO – October 11, 2000 – 201 periodontists responded to an online poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Following is a breakdown of their answers to the survey questions.

  1. In your opinion, are the majority of your patients adequately concerned about the health of their gums?
    Yes 47.98%
    No 49.49%
    Don't know     2.53%

  2. In general, in what areas of oral care are your patients most lax? (Respondents checked top 3.)
    Flossing frequency 88.08%
    Brushing time 29.53%
    Flossing technique 61.14%
    Brushing technique 23.32%
    Keeping regular dental    
    appointments    		 38.86%

  3. In general, do your male or female patients practice better oral hygiene at home?
    Males do 3.26%
    Females do 96.74%

  4. How often do you or a staff member review oral home care techniques?
    Every visit 47.67%
    Visits when it seems necessary     50.26%
    The first visit only 1.55%
    Never 0.52%

  5. How often do you or someone on your staff ask your patients to demonstrate home care techniques?
    Every visit 8.81%
    Visits when it seems necessary     81.35%
    The first visit only 6.22%
    Never 3.63%

  6. Which item has done the most damage to the periodontal health of your patients?
    Popcorn seeds 11.86%
    Hard bristed toothbrush 52.58%
    Ice 0.00%
    Pens or other non-edible foreign    
    objects placed in the mouth    		 0.00%
    Sugared candy or gum 8.25%
    None of these 11.34%
    Other 15.98%

  7. What other item has done the most damage to the periodontal health of your patients?
    There are 115 respondents for this question.

  8. Besides oral home care techniques, on what other areas do you or someone on staff routinely provide information as it relates to oral health? (check all that apply)
    Bruxism 66.67%
    Nutrition 36.07%
    Smoking cessation     89.62%
    Stress 47.54%

  9. What do you think is the primary motivating factor for most of your patients to accept periodontal care?
    Fear of loosing teeth 70.74%
    Functional problems with the mouth
    such as difficulty chewing    		 3.72%
    Aesthetic reasons such as improving look    
    of gum line or getting rid of bad breath    		 8.51%
    Following a dental professional's
    recommendation    		 14.36%
    To possibly lower risk of heart disease,
    respiratory disease, preterm births
    or diabetes complications    		 2.13%
    Other 0.53%

  10. What other factor is primary in motivating most of your patients to accept periodontal care?
    There are 100 respondents for this question.

  11. What tools do you think work best as part of patient education? (check all that apply)
    Mirrors 76.76%
    X-rays 61.62%
    Brochures 53.51%
    Intraoral cameras 34.59%
    Published clinical studies 5.95%
    Laminated drawings or photos
    depicting disease states     		58.92%
    Educational videos or slide shows     35.68%

  12. Are your new patients aware of the links between periodontal health and overall health the first time they visit your office?
    All are 4.30%
    Most are 9.14%
    About half are     11.29%
    Few are 69.89%
    None 5.38%

  13. Do you currently educate your patients about how oral health may affect overall health?
    Yes 72.19%
    Sometimes     26.20%
    No 1.60%

  14. Do you think educating your patients about these perio-systemic links motivates them to practice better oral care?
    All find it motivating 5.88%
    Most are motivated 33.69%
    About half are motivated 34.22%
    Few are motivated 25.13%
    None are motivated 0.00%
    I do not educate my patients    
    about perio-systemic links    		 1.07%

About the AAP

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.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.

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