Thanks to your dental discount, your teeth are as healthy as ever. But are your gums? Over the years, gum disease has been affecting more and more of the US population.

Strategic Planning

Recently, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) provided a testimony to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention's Division of Oral Health (DOH). This was part of a strategic planning process for the years 2011 through 2014. The testimony submitted is an extension of the collaboration between the AAP and the CDC. This collaboration was to create a surveillance program which would determine the prevalence of gum disease throughout the United States. The results showed that the incidence of the disease might be two or three times higher than it was previously.

The CDC had to prioritize resources to study and verify the results of the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey for the AAP's testimony. This survey includes self-reported questions on periodontal health and a complete examination. This analysis is crucial in establishing a starting measure of the periodontal status of the US population. The AAP's testimony also suggests that stakeholder organizations, such as the AAP and CDC themselves, work together to make the public more aware of the decrease in periodontal health among US citizens.

A Serious Issue

Samuel Low, DDS, MS, Associate Dean and Professor of Periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and President of the American Academy of Periodontology, says that "Periodontal disease is a serious public health issue that may have a significant impact on the overall wellness of the US population. Therefore, the AAP greatly appreciates the opportunity to provide this testimony to the CDC. We look forward to continued collaboration with the CDC Division of Oral Health to assess the prevalence of periodontal disease, and optimistically, to increase public awareness of the importance of healthy teeth and gums."

When you go into the dentist to use your dental discount, be sure to ask for tips on proper gum care. Taking care of your gums now can not only keep your gums healthy, but it can also help you prevent gum disease.