Floss Your Teeth - On the Double!

Twin Study Published in the Journal of Periodontology Demonstrates that
Flossing Can Decrease the Occurrence of Gum Disease-causing Bacteria

CHICAGO, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In dental offices all over the
world, patients are often told they are not flossing enough or instructed to
floss more. As the old saying goes, you only need to floss the teeth you want
to keep. After all, not flossing regularly can lead to tooth decay and to
periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the official
publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) demonstrates that
including flossing as part of one's routine oral care can actually help reduce
the amount of gum disease-causing bacteria found in the mouth, therefore
contributing to healthy teeth and gums.

The study, conducted at New York University, examined 51 sets of twins between
the ages of 12 and 21. Each set was randomly assigned a 2-week treatment
regiment with one twin brushing with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste and
the other twin brushing with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste and flossing.
At the end of the two week trial, samples were taken from both pairs of twins
and compared for levels of bacteria commonly associated with periodontal
disease.

The study findings indicated that those twins who did not floss had
significantly more of the bacteria associated with periodontal disease when
compared to the matching twin who flossed in addition to tooth-brushing with
toothpaste.

"This study illustrates the impact flossing can have on oral health. The twins
experimental model is a powerful tool to help sort out genetic and
environmental factors that often confound the interpretation of treatment
studies. This study demonstrates that flossing can have an important and
favorable impact on an individual, as compared to that of a non-flossing
individual with similar genetics and possibly similar habits," explains Dr.
Kenneth Kornman, editor or the Journal of Periodontology. "Twins tend to share
the same or similar environmental factors such as dietary habits, health and
life practices, as well as genetics. In this case, the only difference was
flossing, and the outcome was significant. Flossing may significantly reduce
the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth."

The study results support that old saying, and show that including flossing as
an integral part of your regular oral care can help reduce the amount of
periodontal disease-causing bacteria in the mouth; therefore helping you keep
your teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by a build-up of
bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your
teeth. Flossing, or using interdental cleaners, helps clean the bacterial
plaque from between your teeth that regular brushing can't reach.

"As a practicing periodontist, I am constantly telling my patients to clean
between their teeth more using dental floss or interdental cleaners," says Dr.
Susan Karabin, President of the AAP. "Patients tend to think that flossing
can't possibly make that much of a difference. But this study demonstrates
that the addition of flossing to your dental hygiene routine can significantly
reduce the amount of periodontal disease causing bacteria. Even after just two
weeks!"

To learn more about gum disease, locate a periodontist, or to find out if you
are at risk for periodontal diseases, visit perio.org or call (800) FLOSS-EM
(800/356-7736).

About the American Academy of Periodontology

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.

SOURCE American Academy of Periodontolgy

Meg Dempsey of American Academy of Periodontology, +1-312-573-3242,
meg@perio.org