Periodontitis is on the rise!

Nearly half of American adults have periodontal disease

When going to your annual dental exam, do you ever notice the hygienist pushing a probe down your gums and saying a number such as 1,2,3,4, or 5? Well, what your hygienist is doing is measuring the size of your tooth pocket in millimeters. The larger the number or longer the pocket, the greater the risk of getting periodontal disease. 

The Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) released new information that states over 47 percent of the United States adult population ages 30 years or older are experiencing mild, moderate or severe periodontal disease (1). Along with this, nearly 64 percent of adults over the age of 65 have moderate to severe forms of periodontal disease (1).

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease causing the loss of connective tissue between teeth and gums. If the condition is caught early, it can be treated and managed. Periodontitis begins with dental plaque which is a substance that adheres to the surface of the tooth and is composed almost entirely of bacteria derived from the normal bacterial flora of the mouth. When the plaque is not removed from the surfaces of the teeth daily though brushing and flossing, the bacteria cause inflammation of the gums which results in the gums becoming red and sometimes swollen. This is known as gingivitis, a mild form of periodontitis, that can be reversed though good oral hygiene habits (2). When gingivitis is not treated, the inflammation worsens and the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces know as “pockets” which can become even more infected. The body reacts to the infection and breaks down the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place (2). As the body keeps fighting the infection, the teeth will eventually become loose and fall out. 

Most adults in this study experienced “pockets” approximately 6mm in depth where a healthy tooth pocket should only be 1-2mm. The CDC found men having a higher percentage of periodontitis than women (56% men verses 38% women) (1). Other groups of people with a higher prevalence of periodontitis were current smokers (64%), non-Hispanic Black and Mexican-American (58% and 67%), adults below 100% federal poverty levels (65%) and those with less than a high school education (67%)(1).

The ADA encourages dentists to give adults periodontal assessments in their oral hygiene check ups and to refer patients to receive the appropriate therapy when needed. It is also encouraged to explain to patients their risk of periodontitis and to promote good oral hygiene practices. 

As we are getting older it is important to keep up with good oral hygiene so we can limit the risk of getting periodontitis. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss at least once a day. 

Why do you think these numbers have increased over the years? How do you think this will play a role in overall health? Do you think there should be more education programs to educate people on oral hygiene?

1. Study Estimates Nearly Half of American Adults Have Periodontal Disease. (2012, September 27). Retrieved November 28, 2014, from http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/study-estimates-nearly-half-of-american-adults-have-periodontal-disease

2. Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. (2014, July 31). Retrieved November 28, 2014, from http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/topics/gumdiseases/periodontalgumdisease.htm

3. http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/topics/periodontitis