CHICAGO – November 13, 2006 – Patients who visit the AAP Web site (www.perio.org) now have an interactive tool to help them identify their individual risk for developing periodontal disease. “Millions of Americans have periodontal disease and don’t know it,” said Preston D. Miller, DDS and AAP president. “This tool will help patients test to see if they are at risk for having or developing periodontal disease.”
The tool, which is linked from www.perio.org/consumer/4a.html, includes a short questionnaire for patients to complete. Once submitted, a calculation based on the PreViser forumla, determines whether the patient is at low, medium, or high risk for developing periodontal diseases. An individualized profile report appears, including referral recommendations, and all patients have an opportunity to visit the Academy’s patient referral service to locate a periodontist in their area.
“There is a possibility that periodontal treatment may significantly improve general health outcomes,” Miller continued. “Given the potential impact on diabetes, prematurity, cardiovascular disease and other conditions, we believe it is important for patients to understand their risk for periodontal diseases and the current state of their periodontal health. In addition to the potential link to these general health conditions, periodontal diseases remain the most common cause of tooth loss in adults and can compromise a patient’s ability to smile, speak and eat with comfort and confidence.”
A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Diseases: What You Need to Know are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.
About the AAP
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for
