In fact, 14 percent of the dentists we surveyed are likely to recommend periodontal exams every three months.

“It should be done every time the patient comes in even if they see the dentist,” advised one dentist, “Generally, the patient should be seen 4 times a year.”

The respondents to this survey tended to perform periodontal examinations at least once a year.

43% recommend periodontal examinations once a year
33% recommended periodontal examinations at least twice a year
14% recommend periodontal examinations four times a year
9% recommended periodontal exam frequency on the need of their patients

Here are some comments from dentists:

“For periodontal maintenance complete charting should be done every three months.” (Florida periodontist)

“We probe at each cleaning visit, so the frequency varies based on the needs of the patient, ie: either 4x, 3x, or 2x per year.” (Arizona dentist)

“I recommend 3 to 4 times per year depending on the patient that I have diagnosed with having a case type III or higher.” (Illinois dentist)

“For the average healthy patient – once a year. For the patient with active periodontitis – every appointment.- For the patient with perio who has been been controlled for at least a year – annual full probes, and spot probes at other appointments.” (General Dentist)

“This all depends on the patient’s periodontal health. We do periodontal probings at each new patient exam and all recall/recare appointments with the RDH.” (Kentucky dentist)

“A four-month recall for adults is best!” (Virginia dentist)

“If a patient has aggressive periodontitis, we probe more frequently, and have the periodontist check the patient annually as well.” (Texas dentist)

“My hygienists probe at each hygiene appointment –every 3-4 months for perio patients.” (General dentist)

Read more: Periodontal Exams Should Be Done Every Time A Patient Sees The Dentist.

"I don't brush my teeth," she said in an iheartradio interview. "No, really! I just use Listerine — and sometimes I'll use my sweater."

The YouTube clip got over 200,000 views in its first two days. Simpson appears to have perfect teeth, and viewers had a lot to say about her alleged dental hygiene.

"OMG! I can't wait to see what she looks like in dentures!" one person commented. "Periodontal disease is contagious… FYI: don't kiss anyone who doesn't brush their teeth!"

"Who believes it?" asked another. "How can't she brush her teeth but yet have such white teeth?"

"If she didn't brush her teeth, they sure as hell wouldn't look like they do!" agreed another. "Unless she has false teeth….it's possible. Julia Roberts does." (Cosmetic dentists report that Roberts has one of the most-requested celebrity smiles.)

"I've heard of homeless people doing this technique," scoffed someone else of her teeth cleaning claims.

Simpson could be a spokesmodel for cosmetic dentistry… but dental hygiene and tooth cleaning, not so much. Let's just hope she was joking.

Watch the YouTube video

Another 11% have reduced the number of dental hygienists they employ, and 5% have cut compensation.

“Hygiene is the fuel that feeds the fire," said a California dentist.

How much hygienists are paid is an important dental management decision. "Upon doing a practice analysis, we found we overpaid our hygienist by $13,000," said one dentist. "We paid more in hourly plus benefits than we collected!"

“Our hygienist was paid salary and now she is paid hourly," said one doctor. Offered another, “Instead of any raises, we put our hygienists on a bonus system based on achieving a minimum daily production."

Here’s more of what dentists had to say on hygienists and tooth cleaning appointments:

• "Hygiene at our office, which has a dentist and a prosthodontist, has remained strong throughout this economy. We are very thankful." (Ohio prosthodontist)
• “We have not cut hours, but we have worked very hard at activating past due patients, with good success.” (General dentist)
• “We have at least two cancellations in hygiene daily. Most tell us to reschedule their dental cleaning later into the year. Other simply say they are not coming.” (Bermuda dentist)
• “Hygiene is the one aspect of the practice that hasn't shown lower numbers. I'm glad we instituted a good recall systems several years ago.” (Pennsylvania dentist)
• “We are seeing more no-shows, and some people are wanting to wait a year instead of 6 months for their next dentist cleaning.” (Dental hygenist)
• "If things slow down more, I will cut my dental hygentist days or time and do the dental hygiene myself.” (New York dentist)
• “They have to take on more responsibility.” (Massachusetts dentist)
• “We have a very periodontal oriented office. A lot of our patients are switching themselves to twice a year for teeth cleaning. They only want what the dental insurance will cover.” (Utah dental office worker)
• “The gross receipts were down about 1% last year, but the profits were slightly up.” (Pennsylvania dentist)

Read more about dental practice management: Dental Hygienists – How the Recession Affects the Dentist

It’s not uncommon for people in Africa to chew absentmindedly on a twig throughout the day. Several studies have found that bush toothbrushes are as or more effective than our manufactured plastic models, and some woods may contain antimicrobial compounds. A few upscale US stores have even begun selling these “chew sticks.”

Read the Scientific American article