It might surprise you to learn that about 70% of adults suffer from some degree of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. In fact, gingivitis is the number one infectious disease in the world. Why is it important that gingivitis be diagnosed and treated?
Gum disease occurs when the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth becomes inflamed. Gum disease is very common in Australia, with 3 in every 10 adults having moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis).
Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected. Most adults in the UK have gum disease to some degree and most people experience it at least once. It's much less common in children.
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.
Although gum disease is terribly pervasive, it's also preventable. Conservative estimates report that up to 80% of people unknowingly have some amount of chronic gum disease. What's worse is that this disease is responsible for up to 70% of adult tooth loss.
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. In general, periodontal disease does not cause pain, which is one of the reasons it develops into a severe condition.
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.
Periodontitis isn't curable, but it's manageable with proper care and treatment.
Periodontitis is much more difficult to treat, but gingivitis is treatable and reversible. The earlier a patient start to fight this condition, the more likely the person will be to overcome it. More effective brushing and flossing can make gums healthier and get rid of bacteria in the mouth.
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.
Yes. Regardless of the stage of infection, you can stop the progression of gum disease. The initial phase is the easiest to manage as it only requires maintaining proper oral care and dental checkups. Further stages will require specialized treatment such as scaling and root planing.
If left untreated, gum recession and tooth loss can occur. Whilst some symptoms will indicate the presence of gum disease because it is such a slow-progressing condition, regular hygienist appointments are paramount if you want to prevent unpleasant symptoms.
Age and genetics
As we age, bodies naturally become more susceptible to infection and disease, increasing the risk for gum disease. Similarly, hereditary can put you at a greater risk for gum disease, especially if close family members have the condition already.
If caught early enough, this disease is usually reversible through regular brushing and flossing. However, advanced cases of gum disease can lead to permanent damage of the jawbone and even tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is one of the many diseases and conditions that increase in prevalence with age.
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.
But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare. Keep in mind that there are many, many factors that can change the timeline.
Advanced periodontitis is the fifth and final stage of gum disease, and it is likely that you will lose teeth or at least loosen teeth during this phase without immediate dental intervention. The infection impacts the jawbone, so teeth may be lost regardless.
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.
Periodontal disease is not a life-threatening condition.
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.
Research has linked oral health problems such as periodontal or gum disease to many health conditions, including diabetes, heart and kidney disease, Alzheimer's, asthma, osteoporosis, and cancer. Dr. Mariotti says there are more than 120 conditions that have been associated with dental problems.
Several factors can cause a person's gums to recede, regardless of the state of their oral hygiene. These include aggressive toothbrushing, body piercing, clenching or grinding teeth, crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, hormonal changes, insufficient dental care, periodontal disease, and tobacco products.
Whether your teeth are already exhibiting a yellowish-tinge or suffering from extreme sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages, it's never too late for you to improve your personal dental care routine.