Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Nearly 90 percent of the 201 periodontists polled reported that flossing frequency is one of the areas of oral care that patients are most lax in, and about 61 percent reported that their patients' flossing technique could use improvement, two essential components of an effective oral care regimen. According to the poll, the biggest offenders are overwhelmingly male patients. Ninety-seven percent of those surveyed reported that their female patients practice better oral hygiene habits than males. Not only is it important for patients to establish a regular routine for oral care, it is also important that they use proper techniques so that they don't damage their gums. In the survey, hard bristled toothbrushes beat out popcorn seeds and candy as the item having done the most damage to patients' periodontal health.