Highlighting Gum Disease Awareness Month
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum infections and the development of gingivitis and periodontitis. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42% of the U.S. population, 47% of those aged 30 years and older and 70% of those aged 65 years and older may be living with periodontal disease. Further, about 50% of pediatric patients may have plaque-related periodontal disease. If left untreated, the conditions can increase the risk of tooth loss, diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
Patients with periodontal disease may live for years without showing symptoms of disease, leaving them at higher risk of experiencing comorbidities. However, low-income patients may be the most susceptible to developing periodontal disease as a result of inaccessibility to oral health care.
In light of Gum Disease Awareness Month, experts recognized the significance of raising public awareness for periodontal health and the consequences of gingivitis and periodontitis, according to a news release from GlobeNewswire.
The experts emphasized that because of the heightened risk of comorbidities associated with periodontal disease, it is critical to improve oral health behaviors among U.S. individuals by encouraging them to follow recommended daily hygiene practices and visit their dentists regularly. Routine habits such as brushing twice daily, flossing and receiving professional dental treatment can prevent and reverse gingivitis, while appropriate professional care can help slow the progression of periodontitis.
“Gum disease is one of the most prevalent oral health issues, which only becomes more common with age … but proper preventive dental care can have a profound impact on keeping the condition at bay,” concluded Dale Mayfield, D.D.S., chief dental officer at Benevis.
Read more: GlobeNewswire
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.