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 responded to an online poll about patients over age 60 conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

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.

  1. 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%
  2. Overall, do your older patients (60+) believe that they can keep their natural teeth for a lifetime?
      Yes 74%
      No 18%
      Unsure     8%
  3. 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%
  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%
  5. 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%
  6. How concerned are most of your older patients with the aesthetics of their smiles?
      Very 8%
      Somewhat 76%
      Not12%
      Same as other age groups     4%
  7. 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%
  8. 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%
  9. 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%
  10. 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 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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