National survey reveals there’s room for improvement to educate Americans on gum disease, which affects one in every two adults over age 30 
 
 CHICAGO (June 23, 2015) — A new national survey released today reveals more than a quarter (27 percent) of U.S. adults admit 
 
 they lie to their dentist about how often they floss their teeth. Nearly one in ten U.S. adults would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour or do their taxes (9 percent each). The survey was conducted online in March by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) among 2,021 U.S. adults and among the top 10 U.S. markets. Additionally, more than one-third of Americans (36 percent) would rather do an unpleasant activity like cleaning the toilet (14 percent) over daily flossing. Commonly referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused when bacteria in plaque below the gum line lead to swelling, irritation, and possibly receding gums and tooth loss. Periodontal disease has been linked to many chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer. “There’s clearly more work to be done when it comes to educating Americans about the importance of oral hygiene. Along with brushing teeth twice a day and an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation from a periodontist, daily flossing is a critical component in the prevention of periodontal disease.
– When dentists ask if we've been flossing our teeth, 27% of us lie, according to a new survey from the American Academy of Periodontology. But, as NPR notes, your dentist can tell whether you're telling the truth on this particular matter—and the two dental health professionals it spoke to were surprised that 27% figure wasn't higher. "Is that all?" said one. "I am shocked," said another. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher." Maybe people lied on the survey, too? Another poll from the American Dental Association last year found that just four in 10 Americans floss at least once a day. The AAP survey also found that 36% of Americans would rather do some other unpleasant activity than floss: 18% would rather wash dishes 14% would rather clean the toilet 14% would rather wait in a long check-out line 9% would rather sit in traffic for an hour 9% would rather do their taxes