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Tooth Loss May Be Highest Among African Americans
In a recent study designed to identify risk of tooth loss among elderly African American adults, 53% of African Americans lost at least one tooth in a three-year period, with 13% losing their remaining teeth, reports the Academy of General Dentistry.

The three-year, university-based study included a random sample of 263 older African Americans . Dental examinations and home interviews identified possible key risk factors for tooth loss that included neglected access to dental care over a long period, high blood pressure and poor preventive dental behavior leading to advanced gum disease.

"I have seen many adults in my practice who were raised with the thought to visit the dentist only when they are in pain, not for preventive measures such as cleaning and check-ups," said George McLaughlin, DMD, and member of the Academy of General Dentistry. "As a result, severely neglected teeth usually have to be extracted, teeth that could have been saved with earlier, preventive care and good home dental habits such as brushing and flossing."

The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/consumer.

CONTACT: Susan Urbanczyk, public relations manager, at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org or Jennifer Starkey, public relations coordinator, at 312.440.4341 or media@agd.org.

NOTE: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.