According to a recent poll by the American Academy of Periodontology, all periodontists recommend daily brushing
and flossing; but beyond that, the rules for oral health care aren't hard and fast...
Results of AAP Survey on Common Questions for the Dental Practitioner
Periodontists responded to an online poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
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?
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 - 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?
123 respondents 63.40% -- (1) Yes 71 respondents 36.60% -- (2) No - What's the best alternative for a quick breath refresher?
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) - Do you think using a tongue scraper is an important part of an oral care routine for most people?
84 respondents 43.52% -- (1) Yes 109 respondents 56.48% -- (2) No - Have you ever recommended a patient take a genetic test to evaluate susceptibility to periodontal disease?
58 respondents 29.90% -- (1) Yes 136 respondents 70.10% -- (2) No - Do you think oral piercing poses a threat to periodontal health?
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 - 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?
159 respondents 81.96% -- (1) Yes 35 respondents 18.04% -- (2) No
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