You may be shocked to learn that 47% of Americans aged 30 years old have severe gum disease or that gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss among adults. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70% of people aged 65 years and older in the United States have periodontal illness.
While we all know that brushing and flossing our teeth every day is essential to fight gum infection, early stage oral disease, or even swollen gums, many of us are unaware of oral hygiene's role in our general health.
This blog post will look at how common periodontal disease, gingivitis, and gum disease are in America and the number of people with periodontal disease by state.
Top Gum Disease & Oral Health Care Statistics In America!
- Periodontitis affects 70% of individuals over 65 in the United States.
- Women are more likely than males to get periodontal disease.
- In the United States, periodontal disease is more prevalent in those living below poverty.
- Over 47% of Americans above 30 have severe gum disease.
- Gum disease and tooth decay are the two most common causes of tooth damage in the United States.
- The CDC describes poor oral maintenance as one of the leading causes of severe gum disease.
- Americans with severe gum disease tend to have heart problems and high blood pressure.
- The most frequent chronic disease in children is tooth decay.
- Bad breath is one of the first indications of gum disease.
How Common Is Periodontal Disease In America?
70% of people aged 65 years old in America have periodontal disease, according to the CDC and 47% of Americans aged 30 years or older have severe gum disease affecting their gum tissue according to the American Dental Association. However, it's important to note that periodontal disease is not just a problem for the elderly – it can occur at any age.
Is Periodontal Disease More Common In Men Or Women?
Periodontal disease is more common in women than men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 66 percent of women have gum disease, compared to 58 percent of men.
What Is The Most Prominent Threat To Dental Health In America?
The CDC says that gum disease and tooth decay are the two most prominent threats to dental health. But tooth decay is more common. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about 92% of adults aged 20 to 64 have cavities in their adult teeth.
How Many People Have Died From Periodontal Disease?
Some 9,000 people die from periodontal gum disease-related illnesses each year in the United States. That number may not sound high, but it's about the same number of people who die from cervical cancer.
How Many People Have Periodontal Disease By State?
The state with the most cases of periodontal disease is New Mexico, and the state with the lowest amount of cases is Utah. The states where the greatest number of people have periodontal disease are listed below, along with the states with the lowest rates of periodontal disease. If your state isn't on either list, we've included all of them in alphabetical order below.
Top 10 States With The Highest Numbers Of Periodontal Disease
New Mexico is the number one state for periodontal disease with 53% of adults in the state having the condition. Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and Florida round out the top four, with 51%, 50%, and 49% of adults affected respectively.
- New Mexico - 53%
- Hawaii - 51%
- District of Columbia - 50%
- Florida - 49%
- Mississippi - 49%
- Arizona - 48%
- California - 48%
- Louisiana - 48%
- Nevada - 48%
- South Carolina - 48%
Top 10 States With The Lowest Numbers Of Periodontal Disease
There are some states that have much lower rates of the condition. In Utah, only 37% of adults have periodontal disease, while in Colorado, 43% of adults have the condition. New Hampshire, Vermont, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming all have rates of 41-42%.
- Utah - 37%
- New Hampshire - 41%
- Vermont - 41%
- Iowa - 42%
- Minnesota - 42%
- North Dakota - 42%
- Washington - 42%
- Wisconsin - 42%
- Wyoming - 42%
- Colorado - 43%
How Many People Have Periodontal Disease In Each State?
| State | Total Periodontitis % | Severe Periodontitis % |
| Alabama | 47% | 10% |
| Alaska | 44% | 9% |
| Arizona | 48% | 9% |
| Arkansas | 47% | 10% |
| California | 48% | 9% |
| Colorado | 43% | 8% |
| Connecticut | 43% | 8% |
| Delaware | 46% | 9% |
| District of Columbia | 50% | 11% |
| Florida | 49% | 10% |
| Georgia | 46% | 10% |
| Hawaii | 51% | 11% |
| Idaho | 43% | 8% |
| Illinois | 45% | 9% |
| Indiana | 44% | 9% |
| Iowa | 42% | 8% |
| Kansas | 43% | 8% |
| Kentucky | 45% | 9% |
| Louisiana | 48% | 10% |
| Maine | 43% | 8% |
| Maryland | 45% | 9% |
| Massachusetts | 43% | 8% |
| Michigan | 45% | 9% |
| Minnesota | 42% | 8% |
| Mississippi | 49% | 11% |
| Missouri | 45% | 9% |
| Montana | 44% | 8% |
| Nebraska | 43% | 8% |
| Nevada | 48% | 10% |
| New Hampshire | 41% | 7% |
| New Jersey | 45% | 9% |
| New Mexico | 53% | 11% |
| New York | 47% | 9% |
| North Carolina | 47% | 9% |
| North Dakota | 42% | 8% |
| Ohio | 44% | 9% |
| Oklahoma | 47% | 9% |
| Oregon | 44% | 8% |
| Pennsylvania | 44% | 9% |
| Rhode Island | 44% | 8% |
| South Carolina | 48% | 10% |
| South Dakota | 44% | 8% |
| Tennessee | 46% | 9% |
| Texas | 48% | 10% |
| Utah | 37% | 6% |
| Vermont | 41% | 7% |
| Virginia | 44% | 9% |
| Washington | 42% | 8% |
| West Virginia | 45% | 9% |
| Wisconsin | 42% | 8% |
| Wyoming | 42% | 8% |
How Common Is Gingivitis In The United States?
More than 50% of adults in the U.S. have gingivitis on an average of 3 to 4 teeth, and 67% of Americans have Subgingival Calculus or "tartar build-up" on their teeth. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease caused by plaque build-up on the teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, leading to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
What Are The Primary Symptoms Of Gingivitis? (Top 10 Symptoms)
- Bad breath that does not go away after brushing your teeth
- New sensitivity to temperature or sugar in your teeth
- Painful chewing
- Tender gums
- Bleeding gums, including after you brush your teeth
- Pus formation between teeth and gums
- Reddish-purple gums
- Loose teeth
- Shifting teeth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please visit your dentist as soon as possible.
How To Prevent Gingivitis? (Top 10 Ways)
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
2. Floss every day
3. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
4. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks
5. Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride
6. See your dentist for a professional cleaning at least once a year
7. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
8. Practice good oral hygiene habits daily
9. Manage stress levels
10. Take supplements, such as probiotics and vitamin C, to boost your immune system function
How Long Does Gingivitis Last?
The answer depends on the severity of the condition and how well you take care of your teeth. For mild cases of gingivitis, you may be able to reverse the disease within a few weeks with regular brushing and flossing. More severe cases may require professional treatment, such as a deep cleaning or gum surgery, but gingivitis is usually treatable.
How Common Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is pretty standard, especially among adults. 47% of adults over 30 suffer from severe gum disease, according to the CDC, and 64.7 million Americans are affected by gum disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.
What Is The Leading Cause Of Severe Gum Disease According To The Center For Disease Control?
Poor oral maintenance is cited by the CDC as one of the leading causes of severe gum disease, along with the buildup of plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is a yellow or brown deposit that can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar can cause inflammation of the gums, which is known as gingivitis. Severe gum disease can also cause other health problems like heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Is Gum Disease Linked To Other Health Problems?
Studies have shown that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, gum disease has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. While the exact mechanisms are not yet understood, it is clear that the health of your gums affects the health of your entire body. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for routine checkups.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease and gingivitis are pretty prevalent in the United States, with nearly 50% of adults having bad oral health and suffering from oral diseases. However, both problems are readily treatable, and if you don't have dental insurance, now is the best time to get it. Gum disease may cause tooth loss, so take measures to preserve your oral health by scheduling an appointment with your dentist right away!
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease, Gingivitis, & Gum Disease
What percentage of the population has periodontal disease?
Over 47% of adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, almost anyone you meet. If you're already experiencing symptoms of periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or tooth loss, don't despair. There are several effective treatments available, so talk to your dentist about what would be best for you. With proper care, you can keep your smile healthy for life!
Can a 20 year old get periodontal disease?
Yes, a 20 year old can get periodontal disease because, at any age, poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease. This happens when the plaque and tartar on your teeth get trapped in your gums, causing them to become inflamed. If left untreated, gum disease can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. So, while periodontal disease is more common in older adults, it can occur at any age.
Can you reverse periodontal disease?
According to Garland Davis, DDS, periodontitis cannot be reversed, only slowed down. However, gingivitis can be reversed. This is why it's critical to detect it early on and prevent it from progressing to periodontitis.
Why is gum disease so common?
There are several reasons why gum disease is so prevalent, but the top three reasons are poor oral hygiene, genetics or certain medical conditions, and tobacco use. These are major risk factors for gum disease.
Sources: CDC | Mayoclinic | Pasadena Periodontics | Garland Davis DDS | American Dental Association |