Shockingly, gum disease is one of the most common diseases in the United States today. Its prevalence exceeds that of heart disease and even cancer. An alarming 80% of the United States population, in all age ranges, lives with some form of gum disease.
Gum disease starts as an infection of the gums (Gingivitis) and progresses to jaw bone disease (Periodontitis). It can start very early in life without proper oral hygiene and regular cleanings. The diseases progresses in well documented stages.
Treatment options for the disease vary depending on the severity of the case. They can range from changing your oral hygiene habits (i.e. increasing brushing frequency and time, improving your flossing techniques or even changing your at home oral health care products), to non-surgical approaches (i.e. scaling and root planing, as well as antibiotic therapy), to surgical approaches in a specialist’s office.
