Did you know that almost half of American adults (aged 30 or older) have some form of gum disease according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). In fact, 64.7 million of us have periodontitis: an advanced stage of gum disease responsible for tooth loss in some cases.

Periodontal disease is a serious issue, widespread and the number one cause of tooth loss for adults, even above tooth decay. That being said, gum disease is often treatable and can be helped. Knowing whether you may be at an increased risk for developing gum disease can help you keep an eye on the health of your gums and get treatment early on. Here, we’ll outline some of the statistics compiled by the AAP on the risk of gum disease. If any of them describe you, it may be worth scheduling a periodontal evaluation to check on the health of your gums.

1.) If You Are a Smoker

Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease than those who do not.

2.) If You Have Diabetes

Nearly 95% of individuals with diabetes will experience some form of gum disease during their lives. In fact, periodontists are often the first medical professionals to diagnose early signs of diabetes because they keep a close eye on your gum health.

3.) If You Are Pregnant

More than half (60-70%) of pregnant women will experience gingivitis due to the increase in hormones caused by pregnancy. Studies have shown that mothers with unhealthy gums are at a higher risk of delivering prematurely as well.

4.) If You Are a Man

54% of men are diagnosed, while only 38% of women are.

5.) If You Are Older Than 35

Adults are more prone to losing teeth to periodontal disease than to tooth decay.

6.) If You Have a Family History of the Disease

It is estimated that nearly 30% of people experience gum disease because of a genetic predisposition for the disease. You may also be up to six times more likely to get periodontitis than those who do not have any genetic link to the condition

While gum disease may seem to be of little concern, it is much more important than many might believe. Periodontal disease can often lead to serious health complications for your overall health, including increasing your risk for stroke, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. If you have several of these risk factors, and have had trouble with your gums, contact Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS to schedule an evaluation.