Fenua Public Health Crisis

gum Disease a Growing Concern in the U.S.: Understanding Periodontitis and Its Connection to Systemic Health

Published: October 26, 2024

By Archyde news Desk

The Silent Threat to American Smiles and Overall Health

Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection that damages the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth.While often overlooked, it’s a major public health issue in the United States, with potentially far-reaching consequences beyond just oral health.

As Dr. Rahiti Blais,a dental surgeon,explains,”The root of the tooth is held in the bone and the gum,in all the elements: the periodonte that holds the tooth. The disease is the infection of these elements that hold the tooth.” This infection, if left untreated, can led to tooth loss and contribute to other serious health problems.

For many Americans, the first sign of trouble is often subtle. One patient recounted,”I bleed at each teeth brushing. It was already a first sign that I needed care, to consult to have the opinion of a professional.” This bleeding, along with persistent bad breath, should be a red flag prompting a visit to the dentist.

It’s crucial to understand that periodontitis isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It’s the second most common oral infection after cavities, and its high prevalence in the U.S. demands attention.

A Widespread problem with Specific Risk Factors in the U.S.

The scope of the problem is significant. Dr.Blais notes, “There are a lot of people concerned. It will touch between 70 and 80% of people. These are statistics that we will find in Europe, but there are also predominances in other countries, because we have more risk factors than others. In Polynesia, we have obesity which is a truly differential risk factor.“

While the 70-80% figure might be debated depending on the specific population studied and the diagnostic criteria used, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) estimates that 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older in the U.S. have some form of periodontal disease. This number increases to 70.1% for adults aged 65 and older.

In the U.S., specific risk factors contribute to the high prevalence of periodontitis:

Risk Factor	Impact in the U.S.
Tobacco Use	Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off gum infections. The CDC reports that approximately 11.5% of U.S. adults smoke cigarettes.
obesity	Obesity is linked to inflammation, which can worsen gum disease. The CDC estimates that over 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese.
Diabetes	People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections,including gum disease,and gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar. Approximately 11.3% of the U.S. population has diabetes, according to the CDC.
Stress	Stress can weaken the immune system and make it harder to fight off infection.
Genetics	Some people are genetically predisposed to developing gum disease.
Poor Oral Hygiene	Infrequent or improper brushing and flossing contribute significantly to the buildup of plaque and tartar, leading to gum disease.
Diet	A diet high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to inflammation and worsen gum disease.

Dr. Blais emphasizes, “We also have tobacco that will greatly increase the risk of developing this kind of thing. We also have stressors that we will find in daily life.” These factors, combined with a lack of awareness and access to dental care, contribute to the widespread nature of the disease in the U.S.

Advances in Treatment and the Importance of Early Intervention

Severe periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, impacting a person’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain their self-esteem. Fortunately, advancements in treatment offer hope for those affected.

According to Marie-Eve Bezzina, a dental surgeon, “Even if students in dental surgery have 6 years of study, in terms of periodontics, when you get out of the faculty, you know the basics, but it is a specialty that has evolved enormously. We have discovered a lot in recent years, especially that these people could be treated without resorting to surgery. It is not unavoidable. It is treated very well.“

These non-surgical treatments frequently enough involve deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line.Antibiotics may also be used to control infection. In more severe cases, surgery may still be necessary to repair damaged tissues.

The key takeaway is that early detection and intervention are critical. As Dr. Blais points out, “A lot of people do not take my approach to consult. There is already ignorance of the question. Many people say to themselves: ‘I bleed my teeth, but that’s how it is. I got used to and it doesn’t hurt.’ But that does not degenerate so quickly at everyone. The question of prevention remains preponderant.“

Regular dental checkups, including periodontal exams, are essential for identifying and addressing gum disease in its early stages. This is especially critically important for individuals with risk factors like diabetes or a family history of gum disease.

The Link Between Periodontitis and Systemic Health: A major public Health Concern in the U.S.

The connection between oral health and overall health is increasingly recognized. Periodontitis has been linked to a number of systemic diseases, including:

• Diabetes: As the original article highlights, diabetic individuals are three times more likely to develop periodontitis, and the infection can worsen blood sugar control. In the United States, this is a significant concern, given the high prevalence of diabetes.
• Heart Disease: Research suggests a link between gum disease and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.The inflammation associated with periodontitis may contribute to the advancement of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory infections like pneumonia.
• Pregnancy Complications: Periodontitis has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Studies have shown a connection between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, with both conditions characterized by inflammation.

Given these connections, treating periodontitis is not just about saving teeth; it’s about improving overall health and well-being. This is why it’s a major public health issue in the U.S.

Moving Forward: Prevention, Awareness, and Access to Care

addressing the problem of periodontitis in the U.S. requires a multi-pronged approach:

1. Prevention: Promoting good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, is crucial. Public health campaigns can raise awareness about the importance of oral health and the risk factors for gum disease.
2. Early detection: Encouraging individuals to seek dental care at the first signs of gum problems, such as bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, is essential.
3. Access to Care: Addressing disparities in access to dental care,particularly for low-income populations and those living in rural areas,is critical. This may involve expanding dental insurance coverage and increasing the availability of dental clinics in underserved communities.
4. Integration of Oral Health into Primary Care: Encouraging primary care physicians to screen for oral health problems and refer patients to dentists when necessary can help improve early detection and treatment.
5. Further Research: Investing in research to better understand the causes and consequences of periodontitis, and also to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies, is essential.

By prioritizing prevention, early detection, and access to care, the United States can significantly reduce the burden of periodontitis and improve the oral and overall health of its citizens.

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