Brief synopses of recent media articles reporting information from the American Academy of Periodontology...

The AAP in Recent News Coverage

Brief synopses of recent media articles.

Melatonin Linked to Periodontal Disease

Chicago Tribune
June 26, 2007
Circulation: 566,827

An interesting literature review published in the June issue of the Journal of Periodontology is the basis for this article. According to research, melatonin may promote bone formation and stimulate the body’s immune response. Both of these are factors that may prove melatonin to be a useful tool in the fight against periodontal disease.

Smoking and Sleep Affect Your Oral Health

WebMD.com
May 18, 2007
Circulation: 9,845,773

This article focused on a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Periodontology that listed smoking and sleep as the two lifestyle factors that most affect the health of your gums. The article quotes AAP president Dr. Miller as saying that this study proves that there is more to maintaining healthy gums than brushing and flossing.

Your Heart and Your Gums

Newsweek Magazine
May 7, 2007
Circulation: 3,248,097

This article emphasizes the possible link between gum disease and heart disease. It cites a study in the February issue of the Journal of Periodontology which found that diseased gums release substances into the bloodstream that can cause inflammation.

Doctors and Insurers Emphasize Oral Health

Los Angeles Times
April 16, 2007
Circulation: 775,000

AAP President Preston D. Miller and the Journal of Periodontology are cited in this comprehensive article which emphasizes the important position that periodontal disease holds in overall health care. The article discusses the role of inflammation in gum disease. It also discusses people who are at higher risk of gum disease or who may need to take special precaution such as those who have heart disease, diabetes or who are pregnant. Also covered is the insurance aspect of oral health citing carriers who have revised their plans to accommodate high-risk patients.

Floss For Better Health

FoxNews.com
February 25, 2007
Circulation: 5,919,791

Along with other recent stories in health news, this article featured information on the potential connection between oral hygiene and overall health, a hot topic in the field of periodontics. After a comprehensive description of periodontal disease, the Academy is cited as saying that the risk of developing periodontitis is partially genetic and that 30 percent of the population may be genetically more susceptible to gum disease.

Nursing Moms Need Extra Calcium

MSNBC.com
January 19, 2007
Circulation: 11,539,843

This article highlighted a study published in the Journal of Periodontology which states that calcium requirements increase during lactation. The article, titled "Breast-feeding moms may need more calcium," explains that insufficient calcium along with certain hormonal changes may lead to bone-density loss which can speed the progression of any existing gum disease.

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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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