Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) can strike at any age, but it becomes particularly prevalent at this stage of life.
But did you know that periodontitis can impact people in their 20s? If you are in your 20s, or any age for that matter, and feel like you don't have the time to get to the dentist or maintain optimal oral health care at home, be sure to read on. We hope you'll change your mind.
About 5.08 percent of adults between 20 and 64 years old have some form of moderate or severe periodontal disease, and 8.52 percent have any type of gum disease. This can lead to tooth decay, which one in four adults in the US has.
The onset of periodontal disease can often begin long before a person reaches retirement age. In the earlier stages, many patients in their 20s may not experience symptoms, which can lead to putting off treatment for gum disease, as well as complications in other areas, such as pregnancy.
47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) can strike at any age, but it becomes particularly prevalent at this stage of life. In fact, nearly half of all adults ages 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Periodontal disease is not a life-threatening condition.
Periodontal disease damages the bone, which is not reversible. Once it starts, you will always have it. All levels of periodontitis require treatment by a dentist.
Gum disease isn't curable, but it's manageable with appropriate treatment. You can't cure it because once you lose structural support around your teeth, you don't usually get all of it back. However, periodontal treatment can reduce infection and rebuild your bone and tissue to some degree.
While periodontitis is more common in older adults, even younger people can have it. You don't have to panic if your gums bleed, but it's something to feel concerned about. In case you do notice signs of periodontal disease, it's best to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible.
Almost half, 47.2%, of all adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease. Gum disease increases with age. 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.
The prevalence of periodontal (gum) disease continues to be an important public health problem in the United States as 2 in 5 adults are affected by some form of this disease.
Thankfully, it is never too late to get treatment for gum disease. Your specialized hygienic can complete a full diagnosis to help you determine what stage your gum disease has advanced to. Several treatment solutions may be offered depending on the severity of your condition.
If diagnosed and treated in the first stage, the condition can be reversed and tooth loss can usually be prevented. In order to prevent gum disease, practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups twice a year.
Only the first stage of gum disease, known as “gingivitis” can be reversed. After it progresses into the second stage (periodontitis), it's no longer possible to completely eliminate it.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but can usually be prevented.
Can you still have gum disease even if your gums no longer bleed when brushing? The answer might just be that simple, especially if you brush and floss twice a day every day. Yes, you can brush too hard or too much. For some people, they put a little too much effort, or physical pressure, into brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis diagnosis
Your dentist will be able to detect signs of periodontitis at an early stage during a routine dental examination. They can monitor your periodontal status overtime to make sure it doesn't get any worse. This is why it's important that you visit a dentist on a regular basis for screening.
Slight Periodontal Disease
Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease. At this stage, your gums will start to pull away or "recede" from your teeth.
Periodontal disease causes tooth loss if not treated early, and advanced periodontitis can lead to a decline in chewing ability, word pronunciation, and aesthetic function.
Take Care of Your Oral Hygiene, Protect Your Health
But you can prevent the disease from progressing to later stages by upping your oral care and seeking early treatment. However, even if the condition outpaces you, you can reverse it through the various treatments we have mentioned.
Overview. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.
However, if you receive gum disease treatment early, you can preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need to search for replacement options. Periodontal and systemic diseases are associated, and research is ongoing to establish the reasons for the association.
Smoking/Tobacco Use
Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.