Incidents of periodontal disease (gum disease) do increase with age, but gum disease can start at any time. Most people do not begin to show signs, however, until they are in their 30s or 40s. It is also more common for certain demographics: Men (56.4%) vs.
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.
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.
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.
Mild gum disease can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. More severe forms can also be treated successfully with consultation and treatment. Nearly half (46%) of all adults aged 30 years or older show signs of gum disease; severe gum disease affects about 9% of adults.
It's never too late to seek treatment for gum disease, and the degree of treatment you require will depend on how advanced it is.
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. A mild case can typically be managed by a general dentist using non-surgical treatments.
Once it becomes periodontal disease, your condition becomes a point of no return and will require lifelong periodontal treatments. Gum disease also puts you at risk for health problems and chronic diseases like heart diseases and diabetes.
Slight Periodontal Disease: Slight periodontal disease is the second stage of gum disease. It isn't reversible, but can be managed. Once you reach stage two, the infection has spread to the bone and has begun to destroy bones. The bacteria have become more aggressive, which is what leads to bone less.
You can't cure periodontitis, but you can manage the condition with proper care and maintenance. This includes good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings at intervals recommended by your dentist.
But the condition may get even worse if left untreated. They may experience receding gums, loosening teeth, or tooth loss when it progresses into severe periodontal disease. If you wonder if you can live with this disease, the answer is yes.
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.
It's important to see a dentist right away if you ever suspect something is wrong with your gums. Both gingivitis and periodontitis can happen faster than you think. If you ever feel like your gums are tender, look red or swollen, or you're noticing pink on your floss or toothbrush, give us a call as soon as you can.
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) can strike at any age, but it becomes particularly prevalent at this stage of life.
Gum disease isn't something that only happens to older people. Teens can get it too. Gum disease, also known as periodontal (pronounced: pair-ee-oh-DON-tul) disease, can cause problems from bad breath to pain and tooth loss.
Stage three of gum disease is also known as periodontitis, the early phase. People with periodontitis or periodontal disease experience sore, swollen gums. The plaque hardens to tartar, which leads swiftly to decay. If left untreated at this stage, gum disease can begin to damage your underlying jaw.
In the first stage of periodontitis, called gingivitis, you may notice red, swollen gums and bad breath. Gums might also bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis, which is reversible, can be treated by improving at-home dental care and visiting your dentist regularly for treatment.
The progression of periodontal disease is slow but steady. It only takes four days for plaque to reach its maximum extent, so you'll be able to physically see signs of gingivitis on day 5. Advanced stages of this disease can be seen in as little as a few weeks if you have not tried to reverse the gingivitis.
If you have mild gingivitis, it can take weeks or even months for it to turn into periodontitis. However, if you have severe gingivitis, it can progress into periodontitis in as little as a few days. This is why it is so important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of gingivitis.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year.
If you have periodontitis, your teeth start moving in the mouth, making tooth loss a reality. However, if you receive gum disease treatment early, you can preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need to search for replacement options.
Professional Care for Treating Periodontitis
If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. While there is no cure for periodontitis, professional care by a dentist or dental hygienist can help to control the infection and prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.
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.
Living with periodontal disease is a challenge because it causes aesthetic complications and severe bone loss in the mouth. Unlike other infections, periodontal diseases silently affect you, causing your gums to become inflamed and bleed. Periodontal disease is not a life-threatening condition.
The Prevalence of Gum Disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently did a study to regarding those who suffer from gum disease. The study confirmed that almost 50 percent of adults in the U.S., who are over the age of 30, have the advanced form of periodontal disease, or gum disease.