Gum disease prevalence surpasses diabetes with nearly 65 million affected
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that, if left untreated, may cause damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 65 million Americans are affected by periodontal disease. In addition to diabetes, periodontal disease has been linked to other chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. “Many people don’t know that periodontal disease is so common and often overlooked,” said Stuart J. Froum, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, clinical professor and director of clinical research at New York University’s Department of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. “With more Americans suffering from this disease than diabetes, the AAP created Love the Gums You’re With to educate the public on the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of periodontal disease.”