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Results of AAP Survey on Common Questions for the Dental Practitioner

All periodontists recommend daily brushing and flossing, but other rules for oral health care aren't hard and fast.

Survey Press Release

CHICAGO – February 8, 2001 – 195 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.

Do you recommend flossing before or after brushing?

How many times a day do you recommend your patients should brush?

18	respondents	9.23%	--	(1)	Once
111	respondents	56.92%	--	(2)	Twice
48	respondents	24.62%	--	(3)	Three times
2	respondents	1.03%	--	(4)	Four or more
16	respondents	8.21%	--	(5)	After eating anything
0	respondents	0.00%	--	(6)	Doesn't matter

How much time do you recommend patients spend brushing at each session?

0	respondents	0.00%	--	(1)	Less than 30 seconds
10	respondents	5.18%	--	(2)	About a minute
100	respondents	51.81%	--	(3)	About two minutes
40	respondents	20.73%	--	(4)	About three minutes
43	respondents	22.28%	--	(5)	More than three minutes

How many times a day do you recommend your patients should floss?

141	respondents	73.82%	--	(1)	Once
37	respondents	19.37%	--	(2)	Twice
6	respondents	3.14%	--	(3)	Three times
0	respondents	0.00%	--	(4)	Four or more
5	respondents	2.62%	--	(5)	After eating anything
2	respondents	1.05%	--	(6)	Don't recommend flossing

In general, do you recommend your patients use mouthwash if they are concerned about fresh breath?
What's the best alternative for a quick breath refresher?
Do you think using a tongue scraper is an important part of an oral care routine for most people?
Have you ever recommended a patient take a genetic test to evaluate susceptibility to periodontal disease?
Do you think oral piercing poses a threat to periodontal health?

Do you recommend manual or electric toothbrushes to patients?

13	respondents	6.67%	--	(1)	Manual
27	respondents	13.85%	--	(2)	Electric
43	respondents	22.05%	--	(3)	A combination
2	respondents	1.03%	--	(4)	Don't make any recommendations
110	respondents	56.41%	--	(5)	Depends on patient's dexterity

Do you personally floss daily?

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is is an 8,000-member professional organization for periodontists - specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation and receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy’s risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at meg@perio.org or 312/573-3242.

Results of AAP Survey on Common Questions for the Dental Practitioner

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76	respondents	38.97%	--	(1)	Before
69	respondents	35.38%	--	(2)	After
46	respondents	23.59%	--	(3)	Doesn't matter
4	respondents	2.05%	--	(4)	Don't recommend flossing

49	respondents	27.84%	--	(1)	Breath mint
76	respondents	43.18%	--	(2)	Sugarless gum
32	respondents	18.18%	--	(3)	Breath spray
19	respondents	10.80%	--	(4)	Other (enter below)

92	respondents	47.92%	--	(1)	Yes
33	respondents	17.19%	--	(2)	No
50	respondents	26.04%	--	(3)	Not Sure
17	respondents	8.85%	--	(4)	Sometimes