Are You One of the 50 Percent of Americans Affected by Gum Disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one out of every two American adults age 30 and older have gum disease, also called periodontal disease. In real numbers that means 64.7 million adults have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis, which is the advanced stage of gum disease. (The initial stage is gingivitis.) And in adults age 65 and older, the percentage increases to nearly two-thirds, or 64 percent that have moderate to severe forms of gum disease.
The CDC study also revealed the following statistics about the prevalence of periodontitis in various populations:
- 56 percent of men have periodontitis versus 38 percent of women
- 58 percent of non-Hispanic Black and 67 percent of Mexican-Americans have gum disease
- 64 percent of current smokers
- 65 percent of adults below 100 percent federal poverty levels
- 67 percent of adults with less than a high school education
These statistics emphasize the oral health inequalities among racial and ethnic groups, and persons with lower education and income. Moreover, the research points to the fact that previous national studies may have greatly underestimated the number of American adults with periodontitis.
Although there is no cure for gum disease, there is treatment. And the importance of treatment cannot be overstated, especially when one considers that untreated gum disease can lead to a variety of oral and general health concerns. Orally, the consequences include loose or shifting teeth, exposed tooth roots, or even tooth loss. Furthermore, the bacteria that cause periodontitis can migrate throughout the body possibly leading to diabetes, pneumonia, cardiovascular disease and even pregnancy complications.
Contact Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists
For gum disease, Colorado Springs relies on Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists to provide services for the repair and renewal of your periodontal health. If you live in and around Colorado Springs and need periodontal treatments, then please request an appointment!