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Millions of people have periodontal (gum) disease and many don’t even know they have it. Are you one of them? Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It is caused by the plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. While brushing and flossing removes most plaque, it is impossible to remove all of it.

The American Dental Association (ADA(R)), in collaboration with Crest(R) and Oral-B(R), yesterday revealed findings from a national public opinion survey on oral health care. Here is a sneak peek at the key learnings: 1.

The British Dental Association (BDA) has written to the Department Of Health asking for data to substantiate accusations made in the media this week that dentists in England are “gaming” the new general dental services contract. The accusations, based on an allegation of healthy patients being recalled too frequently for check ups, have appeared in a number of daily newspapers.

As the UK gears up for November’s Mouth Cancer Action Week, free accompanying Blue Ribbon Badge Appeal kits are available for all. Campaign organisers the British Dental Health Foundation urge dental practices, doctor’s surgeries, health centres hospitals and pharmacies to claim their free kit before the campaign kicks off, November 16th-22nd.

The General Dental Council is seeking views on its proposals for the revalidation of dentists. Revalidation means showing you continue to meet the standards set by the GDC to stay on its registers. This is an early opportunity to contribute your views on any aspect of the GDC’s proposed revalidation process. A more formal consultation will follow before the details of the scheme are finalised.

Ghosts, goblins and things that go “bump” in the night aren’t nearly as frightening as cavities and decaying teeth, according to Washington Dental Service. Each year, the nonprofit organization embarks on its annual campaign to educate parents about the severe effects that recurrent sugar consumption has on children’s teeth.

Britain’s leading oral health charity has called for a UK-wide ban on sales of fizzy drinks and sugary snacks on healthcare and education premises. The British Dental Health Foundation applauds NHS Tayside’s announcement this week that it will stop stocking unhealthy drinks in vending machines and canteens, and calls for similar schemes to be rolled out across Britain.

Reproduction pressures and rising fertility explain why women suffered a more rapid decline in dental health than did men as humans transitioned from hunter-and-gatherers to farmers and more sedentary pursuits, says a University of Oregon anthropologist.

Halloween tricks may scare you and the kids, but the holiday’s treats can cause their fair share of trouble as well. The sugar in those Halloween goodies can fuel caries, the disease that causes tooth decay and cavities, says Julie Jenks, a pediatric dentist and assistant professor with the USC School of Dentistry.

The GDC’s Standards Committee will be continuing its work on GDC guidance on dental professionals carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including Botox, at its meeting this month. The Council aims to have the final guidance available later this year.