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Adult Gum Disease
Periodontal
Disease in Adults (Age 20 to 64)
Overall, the prevalence
of periodontal (gum) disease in adults has decreased from the early 1970s
until the latest (1999-2004) National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some
population groups.
The research definitions
of periodontal disease are not necessarily the same as the common definition
of gum disease, which may include both gingivitis (inflammation of the gums
without any loss of bone and tissue) and periodontitis (as defined below):
For the purposes of
epidemiological research, periodontal disease is defined very specifically.
For a person to have periodontal disease, he or she must have at least one
periodontal site with 3 millimeters or more of attachment loss and 4
millimeters or more of pocket depth. Moderate periodontal disease is defined
as having at least two teeth with interproximal attachment loss of 4
millimeters or more OR at least two teeth with 5 millimeters or more of
pocket depth at interproximal sites. Severe periodontal disease is defined
as having at least two teeth with interproximal attachment loss of 6
millimeters or more AND at least one tooth with 5 millimeters or more of
pocket depth at interproximal sites.
Prevalence of
Periodontal Disease
-
8.52% of adults age
20 to 64 have periodontal disease.
-
Older adults, Black
and Hispanic adults, current smokers, and those with lower incomes and
less education are more likely to have periodontal disease.
Prevalence of
Severe Periodontal disease
-
5.08% of adults 20 to
64 have moderate or severe periodontal disease.
-
Older adults, Black
and Hispanic adults, current smokers, and those with lower incomes and
less education are more likely to have moderate/severe periodontal
disease.
Source:
NIDCR
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