American Academy of Periodontology Launches National Campaign, “Love the Gums You’re With”

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Educational campaign urges Americans take action against highly prevalent, yet seriously overlooked periodontal disease.

Chicago, IL – April 22, 2014 — In light of the recent prevalence data that finds almost half of American adults age 30 and older are suffering from periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is launching a national consumer awareness campaign devoted to educating the public on the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of periodontal disease.

The campaign, “Love The Gums You’re With,” is aimed at teaching Americans to take better care of their gums by implementing simple steps into their routine, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and receiving an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation from their general dental professional or periodontist.

To gain national awareness and to help consumers better understand periodontal disease, the AAP is teaming up with Chris Harrison, host of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” to launch these efforts. In Harrison’s role as Bachelor host, he has become a love guru of sorts, having garnered the experience to know what goes into making a successful long-term relationship.  Harrison will help patients understand how to ensure a life-long relationship with healthy gums.

“On behalf of the AAP, we’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to educate the public about the high prevalence of periodontal disease,” shares Stuart J. Froum, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, clinical professor, and director of clinical research at New York University’s Department of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. “We’re hopeful that increased awareness about this common disease and its link to other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer, will drive more patients to visit their dental practitioner and focus on preventive care and early treatment, if necessary.”

Over the course of the campaign, patients may visit their dentist or a periodontal specialist for additional information about periodontal disease prevention and treatment. You may contact your referral periodontist or visit perio.org for more information.  

About the American Academy of Periodontology:

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists – specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,300 members worldwide. For more information visit perio.org.