How Common is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a serious dental condition that can result in more than just swollen, tender gums. As it advances, gum diseases puts you at risk for receding gums, teeth loss, and worst of all, bone loss. How common is gum disease? Here is the staggering statistic: 80% of American adults have gum disease. This dental disease is one of the most prevalent diseases amongst adults, yet patients often overlook the symptoms without cause for concern. Fortunately gum disease can be treated, especially when detected and corrected early.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis: The initial stage of gum disease is also the most common. Gingivitis symptoms include inflammation of the gums with red, tender or swollen gum tissue. You may have gingivitis if you noticed blood while brushing and flossing.
Early Periodontitis: When gingivitis is left untreated, it advances to the early stages of periodontitis. This form of gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue.
Moderate Periodontitis: The infection spreads as the periodontitis worsens to a moderate case. As the periodontitis gets worse, the infection goes behind the gums to spread to the bone that supports the teeth. Another symptom: Your gums begin to recede.
Advanced Periodontitis: Gum disease is at its most serious with advanced periodontitis, because your teeth and bone are at risk. This stage of gum disease usually results in teeth loss and bone loss. Research suggest that you’re also at increased risk of heart attack and stroke when you have advancing periodontitis.

Preventing Gum Disease

How to prevent gum disease starts at home: Brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, and use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Healthy oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease. You also need to visit your dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months.

What Happens if You Have Gum Disease?

Got gum disease? You’re not alone: Remember, most adults experience gum disease. The good news is that if you consult your dentist right away and treat gum disease in its early stages, it can be reversed and you can prevent further damage.

ABOUT DR. JEFFREY ALLEN & DR. NEUMANN

Dr. Jeffrey Allen and Dr. Neumann provide comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call us at (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions, and visit Allen Family Dentistry on Google+ to leave a review.