1. (NU) - Are you attracted to a
dazzling smile? Approximately
one-third of American adults re-
port first noticing a smile when
meeting someone they find attrac-
tive. However, poor oral hygiene
can harm not only your smile, but
your overall health.
TV’s Bachelorette Trista Sut-
ter knows the importance of mak-
ing a good first impression, and
she is partnering with the Amer-
icanAcademy of Periodontology
(AAP) in a public awareness
campaign about the importance
of healthy gums.
“I believe in being grateful for
-- and loving -- what we have, and
the gums we are given are the
gums we have for life,” Sutter says
in a statement. “I personally have
always tried to take good care of
my teeth. But, like many people, I
didn’t know I should be doing
more to take care of my gums.This
is why I believe the AAP’s cam-
paign to Love The Gums You’re
With is so important; everyone
should understand the importance
of keeping their gums healthy.”
Gum disease, also known as
periodontal disease, is surprising-
ly common; it occurs in half of
American adults aged 30 years and
older.The condition, caused when
bacteria in plaque form below the
gum line, can lead to swelling, ir-
ritation, and possibly receding
gums and tooth loss.
Gum disease may impact more
than just your smile. Symptoms
such as red, swollen gums and bad
breath may be signs of a person’s
health beyond his or her mouth, as
gum disease has been linked to di-
abetes, cardiovascular disease,
Alzheimer’s disease and even can-
cer. Not only can gum disease af-
fect your overall health, it can af-
fect your personal life, too. Ac-
cording to a new survey by Harris
Poll, 60 percent of American
adults who have a partner said
their partner’s oral health has an
effect on intimacy.
TheAAP recommends brush-
ing at least twice a day, flossing
once a day and receiving an an-
nual comprehensive periodontal
evaluation to help prevent gum
disease. It’s is treatable, and, in
many cases, reversible with the
right care. If you suspect you may
be at risk for gum disease, you
should talk to a periodontist about
your gum health. A periodontist
is a dentist who specializes in the
prevention, diagnosis and treat-
ment of diseases affecting the
gums and can provide a person-
alized treatment plan.
Visit www.perio.org to find
a periodontist in your area and
check out the AAP’s Facebook
page at bit.ly/loveyourgums or
@PerioNews on Twitter for tips
and resources, including some
fun educational information and
a message from Sutter about the
importance of gum health.
Sutter adds, “Your gums will
be grateful for the extra attention.”
LoveYour Gums to
SafeguardYour Smile
HEALTH
NewsUSA
Trista Sutter addresses
gum disease.
NewsUSA