The Disease That More Than Half of Americans Have: Do You Have It?

Can you guess what disease more than half of Americans have and few people worry about? If you guessed gum disease, then you are right. Keep reading to learn why it so common, what it means, and what to do if you think you have gum disease. Then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 for a dental cleaning and exam.

Yes, More Than Half of American Have It

The first thing to know is that the real danger for gum disease starts at around age 30. The statistics are that everyone over the age of 30 has about a 50% chance of having gum disease. Think of it this way: when you think of yourself and a friend, there is a good chance that one of you has gum disease.

Gum Disease is Not Generally Serious if it is Caught Early

The good news about gum disease is that if you catch it in its early stage, known as gingivitis, it is more of an annoyance than a serious medical issue. It can cause some swelling in the gums and bleeding. But the best way to treat it at this point is to double up and make sure you are brushing and flossing correctly. That is typically enough to fix the problem.

If Gum Disease is Left to Fester It Can Become Serious

However, if you do not come to us as soon as you notice signs of gum disease or do not follow the suggested recommendations for treating it, you could easily end up dealing with serious bleeding, deep disease, and even tooth loss. Once again, we can treat it – even if it is serious – so do not wait to contact your dentist if you have reason to believe you have or are developing gum disease.

What to Do About the Threat of Gum Disease

The best way to prevent or reduce your chance of developing gum disease is to brush at least twice every day and to floss daily. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can also help reduce your chance of developing gum disease.

Make sure you are getting regular dental care from the dentist, too. As is true of many diseases, early detection is the key and can make a big difference in how likely you are to have complications. If we do see gum disease, we can offer tips on reducing it or perform scaling and root planing to scrape plaque and tartar not just from the visible parts of your teeth but below the gum line too.

Reach Out Today to Make an Appointment with a Dental Professional

If you are worried that you might have gum disease, or if you want to reduce the chances that you will develop gum disease, we urge you to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.