When patients visit Foundation Implants & Periodontics for the first time, many are surprised to learn just how widespread periodontal disease actually is. It’s not a rare condition affecting a small number of people — it’s one of the most common chronic diseases in the world.
The Scope of the Problem
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all American adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease. That’s approximately 64.7 million people. Among adults 65 and older, the prevalence jumps to over 70%.
Globally, severe periodontal disease affects roughly 19% of the adult population — more than 1 billion people worldwide — making it the sixth most prevalent condition on the planet.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While gum disease can affect anyone, certain groups face higher risks:
- Age: Prevalence increases significantly after age 30 and continues to rise with each decade.
- Smoking and tobacco use: Smokers are roughly twice as likely to develop gum disease as non-smokers, and smoking reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop periodontitis, and the relationship goes both ways — gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.
- Genetics: Up to 30% of the population may be genetically predisposed to periodontal disease, regardless of how well they care for their teeth.
- Stress and medications: Chronic stress weakens immune response, and certain medications reduce saliva flow, creating an environment where bacteria thrive.
Why Many People Don’t Know They Have It
One of the most challenging aspects of periodontal disease is that it’s often painless in its early stages. Gingivitis — the earliest form — may cause occasional bleeding when brushing, but many people dismiss this as normal. By the time symptoms become noticeable (persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth), the disease has often progressed significantly.
This is why regular periodontal screenings are so important. A periodontist like Dr. Cherry can detect the early signs of gum disease long before you notice symptoms, when treatment is simplest and most effective.
The Good News
Periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable. Early-stage gingivitis can often be reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. Even moderate to advanced periodontitis can be managed effectively with treatments like scaling and root planing, osseous surgery, and laser therapy.
If it’s been a while since your last periodontal evaluation — or if you’ve noticed any changes in your gums — we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cherry. Early detection makes all the difference.
