Gum Disease

Overview
  • Gum (periodontal) disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the hard and soft structures that support the teeth.1
  • Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.2
  • Tooth loss may affect the ability to chew food and can get worse with the number and type of missing teeth—affecting a person’s diet quality.3
  • Diabetes, tobacco use, a weakened immune system, and poor oral hygiene all increase a person’s risk for gum disease.4
  • 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.5
  • Nearly half (46%) of all adults aged 30 years or older show signs of gum disease; severe gum disease affects about 9% of adults.6

References

  1. American Academy of Periodontology. Patient Resources, What Is Periodontal Disease website. https://www.perio.org/consumer/patient-resources. Accessed on May 20, 2020.
  2. American Dental Association. Mouth Healthy, Gum Disease website. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease. Accessed on May 22, 2020.
  3. Nowjack-Raymer RE, Sheiham A. Association of edentulism and diet and nutrition in US adults. J Dent Res. 2003;82:123–126.
  4. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Periodontal (Gum) Disease website. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info?_ga=2.260092749.1557476863.1590514752-1076046649.1587561590#causes. Accessed on May 24, 2020.
  5. Kornman KS. Contemporary approaches for identifying individual risk for periodontitis. Periodontology 2000.2018;78:12–29.
  6. Eke P, Thornton-Evans G, Wei L, Borgnakke W, Dye B, Genco R. Periodontitis in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014. JADA. 2018;149(7):576-586.