Periodontitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the gum tissue. The condition can damage both the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, according to the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers multiple gum disease treatments for patients in and around Austin, TX. By preventing or treating the early stages of gum disease, you can prevent irreversible damage to your gums and teeth.
Statistics on Gum Disease
Nearly half of the adults in this country who are over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC notes that the risk of developing periodontal disease increases with age. More than 70 percent of adults over the age of 65 have periodontitis.
Periodontitis is more prevalent in men than in women (56 percent versus 38 percent). Poverty and education is another known risk factor. More than 65 percent of adults who live below the federal poverty level have gum disease while 67 percent of adults with less than a high school level of education have the condition.
The CDC notes the following are risk factors for gum disease:
- Smoking (64 percent of current smokers have some level of gum disease)
- Diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Heredity
- Crooked teeth
- Underlying immuno-deficiencies
- Defective fillings
- Medications that cause dry mouth
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the prevalence of gum disease has decreased since the 1970s, but millions of preventable cases remain. The Journal of the American Dental Association recently found that 7.8 percent of adults over 30 have severe periodontitis. Severe periodontitis is most prevalent among adults over 65 and smokers, the report found.
Fast Facts About Gum Disease
The following information was provided by the American Academy of Periodontology.
- The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis.
- The more advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis) causes gum tissue to pull away from the underlying bone.
- Chronic periodontitis progresses slowly and is more evident in adults.
- Research has shown that gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
- Periodontitis is typically diagnosed by charting pocket depths with a periodontal probe.
Don’t Become Another Statistic. Treat Periodontitis Today!
At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Ragsdale offers multiple treatments for periodontal disease.
- Laser gum surgery: This advanced procedure does not require the use of a scalpel or stitches. A tiny laser fiber is inserted between the tooth and the gums to clear away infections.
- Root planing and scaling: This non-surgical treatment involves cleaning plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and then scraping away rough spots on the tooth root (planing).
- Laser pocket decontamination: Dr. Ragsdale uses precise dental lasers to emit a focused beam that eliminates bacteria in the periodontal pockets.
- Gum graft: Patients who have advanced periodontitis may have experience gum tissue recession. Gum grafts can restore lost gum tissue. The results will be cosmetically pleasing and healthier for your teeth.
Dr. Ragsdale and our staff in Austin, TX want all of our patients to be free of gum disease. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in this country. The condition can be easily treated at our dental office. To schedule your next exam or periodontal treatment, contact our office online or call (512) 346-4690.
