Periodontal disease affects 80 percent of Americans according to (Fondriest, 2011) and 75% according to Nemeth (2009). Researchers agree it is a very significant portion of the population. A more effective route for bringing awareness to the public is greatly needed among adults in the U.S. There are increasing numbers of people diagnosed with periodontal disease and known increased health risks that brings to light the need for better patient education. The major risks associated with periodontal diseases are: cardiovascular disease, and preterm labor. The lack of public awareness about periodontal disease can result in it being spread from person-to-person. Periodontal disease is communicable and can be spread through kissing, or regular sharing of eating utensils. New forms of patient education are needed to increase the periodontal disease awareness of the general public (ADA, 2005).
Periodontal disease is no longer about teeth; it’s about the entire body and overall health. Periodontal disease is an infection in the oral cavity that destroys the gums and bones, often leading to tooth loss (ADA, 2005). In the early stages of periodontal disease, the gums may swell, or bleed. As the disease progresses, the teeth may become mobile, leading to teeth loss. Dental patients need to be aware of the increased health risk for having periodontal disease if they already have illnesses such as diabetes, or osteoporosis (Farnoosh, 2009). Loos, (2009) also relates periodontal disease to other ailments in the body.
According to Loos, “People who have moderate to severe periodontal disease may have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (about two times greater), low birth rate and premature births (about eight times greater), and a higher risk for morbidity and mortality in general (about two times greater) (p.2). He also noted, “It is now apparent that periodontal disease has many implications for our general health. As more research is completed, I would not be surprised to learn of more relationships between oral health and general health” (Loos, 2009, p.1). Recent studies point to associations between other illnesses such as: heart disease, pre-term labor, stroke, and even low-weight births (CDCP, 2009). The medical community is becoming increasingly aware that proper dental screening is important for overall health (ADA, 2005).
Naomi Engelman has over 17 years of experience working in allied health. She has been a certified and registered dental assistant for 17 years, and has taught allied health for the past 6 years. She has completed her PhD in Health Education at A.T. Still Univeristy where she completed both qualitatvie and quantitative research for her applied dissertation. Her research allowed her to design and implement a course designed to educate dental assisting students on proper patient education regarding periodontal disease and links to other chronic diseases. She works as adjunct faculty for several colleges near Spring Hill, TN, where she resides wither her husband and children.