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While easy to overlook, gum disease remains one of the most common oral health problems around. According the Centers for Disease Control, 47.2% or 64.7 million American adults over the age of 30 suffer from gum disease. Among children, chronic gingivitis and aggressive periodontitis tied to poor oral health and juvenile diabetes are extremely prevalent.
With these statistics in mind, having a working knowledge of this condition, its symptoms, and top prevention tips is the best defense for your smile and overall health. Check out this ultimate guide to gum disease, curated by Birmingham periodontist Dr. Abdullah Sayed.
Why Gum Disease is a Top Dental Issue
There are a number of reasons why gum disease remains a significant health problem in the U.S., many of which can be traced to patient education.
While most are familiar with the general concept of gum disease, few are aware the untreated gum disease can have serious consequences on your overall wellbeing. In recent years, studies have suggested that gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. For patients with diabetes, gum disease has also been linked with greater difficulty managing blood sugar. These few examples are enough to highlight the long-term damage gum disease can have on your overall health.
Lack of patient education in daily oral hygiene is also a contributor to high rates of periodontal disease. While most know the steps of good at home oral hygiene, most tend to miss out the most important step, flossing. Failure to floss leaves patients seriously vulnerable to gum disease development between biannual visits to the dentist.
Lastly, the silent symptoms of gum disease also play a role in the prevalence of gum disease. Simply put, when you can’t identify the warning signs of this potentially serious condition, how can you know when to see a dentist? Likewise, dental phobia and negative stigmas attached with the dentist’s chair mean that nervous individuals are even less likely to seek care when they need it most.
With these factors in mind, stay tuned with Pristine Periodontics and Implants as we explore gum disease, its symptoms, and how to best protect your smile from this serious condition.
