This article takes a look at some of the oral health statistics coming out of institutions such as the American Dental Association and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

If asked, most of us would probably deny having a condition as serious as gum disease. We might admit to being a little sloppy with our oral hygiene habits and few can say that they follow a pristinely healthy lifestyle. But according to Bronx dental implants specialists who deal daily with the consequences of tooth decay and gum disease, we’re definitely not as invulnerable as we would like to think. In fact, nearly 80% of all Americans present with some form of bacterial gum infection – a precursor to the terrible oral ailment that can cause all of your natural adult teeth to fall out! What else don’t we know about the health of our own teeth and gums? Quite a bit it would seem.

The Occurrence of Periodontal Disease in the United States

• According to the Center for Disease Control, periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss ahead of dental caries, accidental trauma and failed dental restorations. This is especially true of adults over the age of 35.

 

• There are currently 200 to 300 million Americans affected to some degree by gum disease, whether it be mild gingivitis or advanced periodontitis and tooth loss.

 

• Of women aged 30 to 54, at least 23% have full blown periodontitis, while 44% of those aged 55 to 90 (who still have their teeth) present with the symptoms.

 

• 33% of all American women will have lost every single one of their original adult teeth by the time they are 65 years old, making them ideal candidates for whole mouth reconstruction using All On 4 Implants.

About Periodontal Disease

• There are two kinds of periodontal disease: (1) Acute – a severe and highly dangerous infection with a sudden onset and (2) Chronic – a recurring infection that can last a long time.

 

• Over 38 million people in America don’t have a single original adult tooth left in their mouths and the culprit is almost always gum disease.

 

• Every year, one to 1.5 million people have full or partial removable dentures fitted to address problems with tooth loss. There are currently over 50 million Americans living with dentures.

 

• Over 400 prescription and over-the-counter medications are linked with the development of gum infections and diseases owing to their tendency to inhibit saliva production. “Saliva is the body’s natural defense against bacteria,” explain Bronx dental implant specialists. “Medications including certain diet pills, antihistamines, antidepressants and heart pills can leave patients at a greater oral health risk.”

Periodontal Disease and Whole Body Health

• “Periodontal disease shares many links with other illnesses and conditions,” say Bronx dental implants specialists. “Having gum disease can put you at a higher risk of developing or having diabetes, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, premature labor and low birth weight babies and more.”

 

• Women with osteoporosis are far more vulnerable to tooth loss and a deterioration in jawbone health. They are also far more likely to end up wearing removable dentures by the time they’ve turned 60. According to some sources, it is thought that having severe osteoporosis makes you three times more likely to become edentulous (toothless).

 

• Research by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the American Academy of Periodontology indicate strongly that people with periodontal disease are at an increased risk of having a severe and potentially fatal heart attack.

“Periodontitis is a major health problem in the United States,” say All On 4 Implant specialists. “Make sure you look after your teeth and gums and visit your dentist and oral hygienist on a regular basis. Prevention is always better than cure.”