According to a recent AAP poll, periodontists often refer their patients to medical doctors
for serious health problems...
Results of AAP Online Survey on Older Adults
Periodontists indicated they often refer older patients to medical doctors for serious health problems.
CHICAGO – August 15, 2000 – 173 periodontists responded to an online poll about patients over age 60 conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Following is a breakdown of their answers to the survey questions.
- Over the past ten years, do you think that the percentage of your patients aged 60 and older has:
Increased 56% Decreased 7% Stayed the same 26% Unsure 11% - Overall, do your older patients (60+) believe that they can keep their natural teeth for a lifetime?
Yes 74% No 18% Unsure 8% - How does the quality of the at-home oral care practiced by the majority of your older patients compare to younger patients?
Better 26% Same 44% Worse 26% Unsure 4% - Overall, do most of your older patients understand that many medications they may be taking can affect their mouths?
Yes 30% No 60% Unsure 10% - Based on your exam, have you ever referred a patient to a M.D. to evaluate any of these conditions? (please check all that apply)
cardiovascular disease 66% diabetes 78% osteoporosis 21% have never referred a patient to an M.D. 4% - How concerned are most of your older patients with the aesthetics of their smiles?
Very 8% Somewhat 76% Not 12% Same as other age groups 4% - Are your older patients more or less likely to accept cosmetic dental procedures than your younger patients are?
More likely 6% Less likely 68% Equally likely 26% - Have you noticed a difference in the oral health of your older female patients on hormone replacement therapy versus those who aren't?
Yes, it's better 13% Yes, it's worse 8% Haven't noticed a difference 63% Unsure 16% - Are your older patients aware of the links between periodontal health and overall health?
All are 1% Most are 13% About half are 21% Few are 63% None are 2% - Have your older patients mentioned the media (newspaper, television, magazines) as a source of information on periodontal health
and overall health?
Yes 63% No 28% Unsure 9%
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.
For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at
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