Story Ideas

Suggested topics and links to related resources for developing stories on periodontal diseases and oral health.

Following are suggested topics you may wish to consider as you develop stories on periodontal diseases:

The Mouth-Body Connection

Periodontitis is an infection that is not just a major cause of tooth loss, but is also linked to other systemic diseases that affects an individuals overall health.

How Stress Affects Oral Health

Financial stress and inadequate coping skills could lead to altered habits, such as reduced oral hygiene or teeth grinding, as well as salivary changes and a weakening of the body's ability to fight infection.

Smoking and Oral Health

Tobacco use causes problems in the mouth, including oral cancer, bad breath, stained teeth, tooth loss, bone loss, loss of taste and smell, less success with periodontal treatment and dental implants, mouth sores and facial wrinkling.

More information on tobacco and gum disease

Oral Cancer

Of the 1.2 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year, 400,000 will develop oral complications, which includes gum ulcerations and infections. Oftentimes the complications are so severe, cancer treatment has to be reduced or discontinued entirely. Including the periodontist before cancer treatment may ease pain so that periodontal health doesn't interfere with cancer treatment.

More on oral cancer

Plastic Surgery for Your Smile

Baby boomers are aging more gracefully than previous generations by relying on cosmetic surgery. As a result, more boomers are considering periodontal plastic surgery such as crown lengthening.

More on periodontal plastic procedures

Keep Your Smile for Life

Older Americans are becoming smarter about their oral hygiene and are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever before.

More information on older adults and gum disease

Risks of Mouth Piercing

Mouth jewelry could cause localized gingival recession, which can lead to an unattractive smile and makes the tooth root more vulnerable to decay and periodontal diseases.

Periodontal Diseases in Children

The social impact of oral diseases in children – more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness, according to the first Oral Health in America Report produced by the Surgeon General in 2000.

More information on children and gum disease

Obesity and Periodontal Disease

Researchers have found a significant association between obesity and prevalence of periodontal disease, especially among individuals aged 18 to 34 years.

More information on gum disease and obesity

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.