A recent study in USA Today titled “What singles want: Survey looks at attraction, turnoffs” listed teeth as number one attribute men and women focus on first. With teeth being the first attributed noticed, it is surprising that a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that nearly one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, a person could lose their teeth.
The early stages of periodontal disease are often asymptomatic; many adults may have the disease and not know it.
Periodontal disease is insidious, warns Nancy L. Newhouse, DDS, MS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and a practicing periodontist in Independence, Missouri. Many people dont even know they have a problem until it turns into a severe case. Just because your teeth and gums dont hurt, doesnt mean your mouth is healthy.
Over time, inflammation as a result of periodontal disease causes the gums and bones surrounding the teeth to recede. When you lose teeth or the structures holding your teeth in place, the overall look of your face, mouth and smile will be impacted, says Dr. Newhouse.
Whats more, periodontal disease can affect more than just your smile. Research has indicated that periodontal disease is associated with other chronic inflammatory diseases, such asdiabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
Bleeding gums during brushing
Red, swollen or tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Persistent bad breath
Pus between the teeth and gums
Loose or separating teeth
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Dr. Newhouse recommends routine brushing and flossing as well as receiving a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, or CPE, every year. A CPE gauges your periodontal health, diagnoses existing disease, assesses risk for disease, and determines any treatment, if needed. The CPE can be performed at your regular check-up by a member of the dental team, including a generaldentist, dental hygienist or periodontist.
By maintaining your periodontal health, you are not only helping to support your overall health, but also ensuring that your smile lasts a lifetime, says Dr. Newhouse.
For more information about periodontal disease or to find a periodontist in your area, visit perio.org.
EDITORS NOTE:
The CDC study, published in the Journal of Dental Research, is based on the results of the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and indicates that 47.2 percent, or 64.7 million American adults, have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease.
Additional Statistics from the study:
Periodontal disease is:
Higher in men than women (56.4 percent vs. 38.4 percent)
Highest in Mexican-Americans (66.7 percent)
Higher prevalence found in:
Current smokers (64.2 percent)
Those living below the federal poverty level (65.4 percent)
Those with less than a high school education (66.9 percent)
About the American Academy of Periodontology:
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistrys experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,300 members world-wide.
