SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA-The latest research on periodontal disease from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was released last month, and its finding are alarming to Dr. Sohrab Saghezchi, a San Jose dentist.
The CDC's report, as quoted in a recent press release from the American Dental Association, said that approximately 50 percent of American adults aged 30 or older have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis, also known as gum disease.
"People are often unaware that they even have it until a symptom of severe gum disease like tooth loss occurs. We've had patients come in for cosmetic dentistry procedures and discover they have periodontitis," says Dr. Khalil "Dr. Sage" Saghezchi, the founder of the Santa Clara dentistry practice.
Inflamed, swollen or tender gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, gums that are pulling away from the teeth and chronic halitosis are all symptoms of gum disease. Warning signs also include loose or separating teeth, pus or sores between gums and teeth, changes in the way teeth or partial dentures fit when biting down, and tooth loss.
"The leading cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease. Unfortunately, many people consider tooth loss and receding gums a normal part of the aging process instead of a symptom of a serious disease," says Saghezchi.
Gum disease does tend to show up when adults are in their 30s and 40s, gradually worsening. Seventy percent of adults 65 and older are affected by some form of gum disease. Although periodontitis is prevalent, especially for older adults, it should not be ignored.
"People who want to avoid losing their natural teeth and needing dental implants or dentures should get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation to catch the disease early," says Sage.
There are many factors that increase the risk of periodontitis like smoking, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, genetics and prescription medication that causes dry mouth. Smoking drastically increases the risk of developing gum disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology; it can also lower the chance for successful treatment.
Gum disease requires treatment, most often non-surgical treatment administered by a dentist, periodontist or dental hygienist. He or she uses a laser or other dental tool to deep clean the teeth and below the gum line, removing the plaque and bacteria that contribute to the disease. This process is scaling and root planing. Scaling scrapes off the tartar buildup from above and below the gum line, and root planing removes the rough spots on the tooth root where the bacteria collect.
"Take care of your periodontal health by brushing and flossing daily and getting regular check-ups by a dental professional. You can also fend off gum disease by changing lifestyle habits like quitting smoking, eating a well-balanced diet and reducing stress levels," says Saghezchi.
The CDC's report, as quoted in a recent press release from the American Dental Association, said that approximately 50 percent of American adults aged 30 or older have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis, also known as gum disease.
"People are often unaware that they even have it until a symptom of severe gum disease like tooth loss occurs. We've had patients come in for cosmetic dentistry procedures and discover they have periodontitis," says Dr. Khalil "Dr. Sage" Saghezchi, the founder of the Santa Clara dentistry practice.
Inflamed, swollen or tender gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, gums that are pulling away from the teeth and chronic halitosis are all symptoms of gum disease. Warning signs also include loose or separating teeth, pus or sores between gums and teeth, changes in the way teeth or partial dentures fit when biting down, and tooth loss.
"The leading cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease. Unfortunately, many people consider tooth loss and receding gums a normal part of the aging process instead of a symptom of a serious disease," says Saghezchi.
Gum disease does tend to show up when adults are in their 30s and 40s, gradually worsening. Seventy percent of adults 65 and older are affected by some form of gum disease. Although periodontitis is prevalent, especially for older adults, it should not be ignored.
"People who want to avoid losing their natural teeth and needing dental implants or dentures should get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation to catch the disease early," says Sage.
There are many factors that increase the risk of periodontitis like smoking, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, genetics and prescription medication that causes dry mouth. Smoking drastically increases the risk of developing gum disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology; it can also lower the chance for successful treatment.
Gum disease requires treatment, most often non-surgical treatment administered by a dentist, periodontist or dental hygienist. He or she uses a laser or other dental tool to deep clean the teeth and below the gum line, removing the plaque and bacteria that contribute to the disease. This process is scaling and root planing. Scaling scrapes off the tartar buildup from above and below the gum line, and root planing removes the rough spots on the tooth root where the bacteria collect.
"Take care of your periodontal health by brushing and flossing daily and getting regular check-ups by a dental professional. You can also fend off gum disease by changing lifestyle habits like quitting smoking, eating a well-balanced diet and reducing stress levels," says Saghezchi.
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