Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common oral health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This inflammatory condition can range from mild gingivitis to more severe forms of periodontitis if left untreated. But just how common is periodontal disease?
The goal of treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to surrounding gum tissue and bone. You have the best chance for successful treatment when you also have a daily routine of good oral care, manage health conditions that may impact dental health and stop tobacco use. If you don’t clean your teeth as well or as often as you should, bacteria travel down beneath your gum line, where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. These harmful bacteria erode the tissues that support your teeth, leading to infection, bone loss and tooth loss. In 1996, Albandar et al. assessed the prevalence of gingivitis among large group of adolescents in the United States and found that 82.1% of the participating subjects were having gingivitis [15]. Similar findings of high prevalence of gingivitis among children and adolescents were reported by other studies worldwide [16, 17].
Some people are simply more prone to having the kind that causes gum disease. 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. The breakdown of tissues around your teeth happens gradually. In fact, most people don’t experience pain with gum disease — especially during the early stages.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older in the United States have some form of periodontal disease. This statistic highlights the widespread nature of this condition and underscores the importance of regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices.
Ask your health care professional or health care team if you are at a healthy weight or if you should try to lose weight. People with diabetes may have problems with their feet because high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves. To help prevent foot problems, wear comfortable and supportive shoes and take care of your feet before, during, and after physical activity. For people who have diabetes, carb counting and the plate method are two common ways to plan how much to eat or drink. Talk with your health care professional or health care team to find a method that works for you.
Most often, early stages are not recognized as they are asymptomatic inflammatory responses in the oral cavity. Often, the first reported symptom of periodontal diseases is bleeding during brushing or flossing. Another symptom that may be noted by the patient is halitosis. More severe symptoms at the time of presentation include pain and tenderness during chewing of specific substances, sensitive teeth, receding gums, the formation of discoloring plaque, tooth mobility, and even loss of teeth. The commensal oral bacteria are responsible for the initiation and propagation of the disease through the process of dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance. The disease proceeds cyclically with periods of activity and quiescence until therapeutic action is taken, or the tooth and surrounding structures are destroyed by the disease process that may result in the loss of the tooth.
The Global Impact of Periodontal Disease
Without treatment, gum disease can cause swelling, redness, pain, and tooth loss. The signs and symptoms of gum disease may look like other conditions or medical problems. See a dentist or other oral health specialist for a diagnosis. Scaling and root planing is similar to routine dental cleaning.
Beyond the United States, periodontal disease is prevalent in many countries around the world. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 60-90% of the global population has some degree of periodontal disease. This staggering figure emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat this pervasive oral health issue.
Factors Contributing to Periodontal Disease
Several factors can contribute to the development of periodontal disease, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, genetics, and certain medications. Additionally, age, hormonal changes in women, and systemic diseases can also increase the risk of developing gum disease.
By understanding the prevalence of periodontal disease and recognizing the various factors that can contribute to its development, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain optimal oral health and prevent the progression of this common yet potentially serious condition.
