Practicing Good Oral Hygiene Is Top Oral Health Issue, Dentists Say in Survey

CHICAGO, IL Practicing good oral hygiene is the top oral health issue, according to dentists surveyed in the recent 2003 American Dental Association (ADA)/Colgate Oral Health Trend Survey.

Thirty-two percent of the dentists said maintaining good oral hygiene is the most pressing oral health issue among their patients. Caries or tooth decay was the next most pressing issue at 28 percent. However, dentists cited the lack of good oral hygiene habits or skills as the most common modifiable risk factor that contributes to tooth decay.

Periodontal or gum disease ranked as the third most pressing oral health issue at 25 percent. Periodontal diseases are conditions in which bacteria attack the tissue surrounding the teeth and supporting bones. The disease results in tooth loss when left untreated.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

"The best way to remove decay-causing plaque and help prevent gum disease is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day," explains Dr. Matt Messina, ADA consumer advisor. "Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners and seeing your dentist regularly are essential for good oral hygiene"

Tooth Whitening Most Requested Procedure by Baby Boomers

Tooth whitening ranked as the number-one requested procedure (63.7%) by patients between 40 and 60 years old, according to dentists. Fifty-eight percent of the dentists named veneers, bonding or crowns as the second most requested procedure by baby boomers. Treatment for periodontal disease ranked third at 55 percent. Prevention advice and dental implants followed at 35.4 percent and 34.7 percent, respectively.

Fastest Growing Segment of Practice

Nearly 27 percent of dentists selected restoring teeth with natural-colored fillings as the fastest growing segment of their practices. Tooth whitening followed as the next fastest at 21 percent.

"Spa" or Office Amenities Offered

About half of the surveyed dentists offer some sort of spa or office amenities to patients. Most common include headphones and neck rests, followed by warm towels and complimentary snacks/beverages. Only some five percent of the surveyed dentists offer amenities such as massages, facials, pedicures and manicures.

Additional Survey Results

• Ninety-two percent of dentists indicated they routinely screened their patients for oral cancer.

• Dentists (56%) say their patients are not adequately concerned about gum disease, followed by oral cancer (33.7%).

• Two-thirds of dental professionals have volunteered for community outreach events in the past five years, with child-specific oral health programs as the most popular.

The 12th annual survey, sponsored by Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals at ADA's 144th Annual Session in October 2003, polled 427 practicing U.S. dentists about general oral care trends.

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The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 147,000 members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. Visit http://www.ada.org