ADA Survey Reveals Many Americans Lack Basic Knowledge When It Comes To Oral Health, Los Angeles Periodontist Comments

BEVERLY HILLS, CA (DEC 2012) — While most Americans know the importance of brushing and flossing daily, a new survey shows that many still have much to learn about keeping their smiles healthy. Conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA), the online survey was taken by nearly 1,500 people in the U.S. and scored people on a number of questions that tested their oral health and hygiene knowledge. Scores ranged from 29 to 85 percent with an average score of 60 percent, this shows that consumers are just above failing when it comes to oral health education. Top Los Angeles Periodontist Dr. Alex Farnoosh adds, “Healthy dental habits start at an early age. It is important to cement those behaviors early. Brushing and flossing daily is essential to a healthy mouth, but knowledge is the key to ensuring that health for life.”

The survey revealed that knowledge about if one should brush after every meal, whether sugar is the cause of cavities, the age a child should first visit the dentist, and when children should be able to brush their teeth were the most confusing with only 10, 19, 25 and 6 percent of those answering being correct respectively. Conversely, test takers scored well when it came to knowing what gingivitis is, mouth changes as one ages, the need for pregnant woman to take extra care of their teeth and if denture wearers should still see a dentist regularly, correctly scoring 95, 93, 92 and 92 percent respectively. The survey further revealed that higher education equaled higher scores and women scored higher than men by 4 percentage points. Opinions were also collected; the survey revealed that a nice smile is extremely important with regard to attractiveness and confidence. “Many people in America are still out of work.” Dr. Alex Farnoosh continues, “The survey showed that 85 percent of individuals believe that a good smile is very important when it comes to finding a job. This is an important element to consider because a healthy mouth influences both those seeking employment and those hiring new employees. A good and healthy smile is an essential element to confidence, this smile can be guaranteed if one stays knowledgeable about dental habits and maintains them often.”

As a top choice in the Los Angeles area for advanced periodontal and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Alex Farnoosh is passionate about oral health and happiness. His practice is not only a popular choice for general dental care maintenance, but it is also the epicenter of revolutionary treatments to improve a patient’s smile. Dr. Alex Farnoosh advises, “Neglect of your teeth and gums can lead to serious problems, as a periodontal specialist I frequently treat advanced gum disease with a novel and specialized laser technique. I am proud to offer my patients solutions and treatment to give them the smile they deserve. But many of these procedures can be avoided if a patient remembers to maintain and be aware of common oral health habits. Education is truly the key to prevention.”

About The Total Smile:

The Total Smile was founded by Beverly Hills Periodontist Dr. Alex Farnoosh. Serving patients from around the globe at his Beverly Hills office for over 25 years, Dr. Farnoosh has proven expertise in the field of dentistry and offers many unique cosmetic and surgical services. Dr. Farnoosh specializes in dental implants, laser periodontal surgery, gum and bone grafting and his novel gum bleaching approach for treatment of dark and discolored gums and his lip-lowering treatment for a gummy smile. Dr. Farnoosh has been recognized by the Consumers’ Research Council of America (CRC) as one of America’s top dentists in their annual report since 2008. To learn more about Dr. Farnoosh and how to achieve The Total Smile, visit: www.thetotalsmile.com