Medical Keywords - Everything you need to know about health.

Who is Most Likely to Develop Gum Disease?

Among the general population, men are more likely to suffer from the more Advanced form of gum disease- periodontitis- than are women. However among teenagers girls are more likely to develop gingivitis than are boys due to the surge of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone that increase when a girl enters puberty.

Gum disease generally does not make itself known until a person is in their 30s or 40s and is not terrible common when people are in their 20s. However the mildest form of gum disease, known as gingivitis can start at any age. It is estimated that more than 75 percent of all Americans who are 35 years of age or older are affected by gum disease in varying degrees. Some studies go even further and say that it is as high as 80 percent of all adults currently residing in the United States.

Other studies have found other types of results. Some studies have shown the results that an estimated 15 percent of all adults between the ages of 21 years of age and 50 years have some form of gum disease. For adults over the age of 50, the percentage is closer to 30 percent. There is no doubt that gum disease presents a serious threat to the gums, teeth and surrounding bone. If you value your mouth and want to keep it healthy, you must take care of it to the best of your ability- that means brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis and going to the dentist for regular cleanings.

Gum disease in most instances is a preventable oral problem but the news for smokers is less encouraging. Adults who smoke are three times as likely as their non-smoking counterparts to develop periodontitis. Nicotine restricts blood flow, weakens the immune system and changes the amount of saliva that is found in the mouth. As well, most smokers do not tend to eat as healthy and as well balanced a diet as non-smokers do. This can make the problem even worse.

Research has shown that some individuals have a genetic predisposition to develop gum disease. Why this is the case is not readily known but studies are ongoing. It is theorized that 30 percent of people have this genetic susceptibility. Despite efforts to keep up with proper oral healthcare, these individuals may be six times as likely to develop gum disease that quickly progresses from gingivitis to the more advanced and serious periodontitis. Genetic tests have been developed to help isolate those who are more inclined to develop gum disease before the signs and symptoms make themselves known. This is beneficial because these individuals can then be put on an early interventive treatment that can help them keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout the duration of their lives.

A recent poll was conducted by Harris Interactive Inc. on 1,000 individuals over the age of 35 years and it found that approximately 60 percent of adults had very little knowledge of what gum disease is, the signs and symptoms, the available treatments and what it can do to the mouth. Some people had never even heard of it at all. The survey also found that 39 percent of people do not go to see a dentist on a regular basis for routine exams and cleanings.