Understanding gum disease seniors is important for seniors and their caregivers. periodontal (gum) disease is a broad term for conditions involving inflammation and infection of the tissues, including the gums and bone, that surround and support the teeth. For older adults, gum disease is a widespread concern, and it becomes more common with age. The good news is that the most common forms of gum disease are largely preventable and treatable with good oral hygiene, overall self-care, and regular care from a dental health care provider.
What Are Key Takeaways?
- About 60% of U.S. adults age 65 or older had periodontitis in a 2009-2014 national survey.
- Gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, is reversible when caught early.
- Periodontitis involves bone loss around the teeth and can be managed but not reversed.
- Gum disease and cavities are the two leading causes of tooth loss.
- Brushing twice daily and flossing every day are essential for preventing gum disease.
- Untreated periodontitis can make other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, worse.
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal disease refers to conditions that involve inflammation and infection of the gum and bone tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. The two most common types are gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontitis is very common among U.S. adults. About 4 in 10 adults age 30 or older had a mild, moderate, or severe level of periodontitis in 2009-2014, and it becomes more common with age. About 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women age 30 or older had some level of periodontitis.
📖 What Are the Different Types of Gum Disease?
What Are the Different Types of Gum Disease?
The two most common types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. It is an inflammatory condition where the gums become red, swollen, and may easily bleed. Gingivitis is a reversible condition. But if left untreated, it can lead to a gum disease called periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to mild, moderate, or severe destruction of the supporting tissues around the teeth. A main feature of periodontitis is bone loss around the affected teeth. Untreated periodontitis can also make other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, worse. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed down and managed with professional treatment. Periodontitis and cavities (tooth decay) are the two leading causes of tooth loss.
📖 What Is Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease?
What Is Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Gum disease can often become serious before a person notices that they have symptoms. A yearly dental checkup can help to detect and prevent this condition. Signs and symptoms of gum disease may include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Bleeding gums.
- Gums that have moved away or downward from your teeth.
- Loose or sensitive teeth.
- Painful chewing.
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when biting.
- Any change in how well your partial denture fits.
📖 What Causes Gum Disease?
What Causes Gum Disease?
Research is ongoing to learn more about the risk factors for gum disease. Some studies have indicated an association between gum disease and certain factors or characteristics, including smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, medication with oral side effects, stress, and genetics. Other associated factors include malocclusion (crooked teeth), clenching or grinding teeth, underlying systemic conditions, hormonal changes such as during menopause, and poor nutrition or obesity.
📖 Who Is Most at Risk?
Who Is Most at Risk?
Among U.S. adults age 30 or older, about 62% who are current smokers had periodontitis in 2009-2014. Periodontitis also disproportionately affects people living below 100% of the federal poverty level (60%), people living with diabetes (60%), Mexican American adults (60%), and non-Hispanic Black adults (57%).
📖 What Causes Gum Disease?
What Causes Gum Disease?
It is normal for some bacteria to live in a healthy mouth. Bacteria in the mouth constantly produce and dwell within a sticky, removable film on tooth surfaces called plaque. If plaque is left to build up on a tooth, it can lead to inflammation around the tooth and result in gingivitis. Plaque can be removed regularly with toothbrushing and flossing. If it is not removed, it will usually harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar buildup cannot be removed with toothbrushing, and professional treatment is needed to remove it.
Bacteria in the buildup can spread below the gumline and lead to the formation of a periodontal pocket, an abnormal deepening of the space between tooth surfaces and gum tissues. Bacteria can release toxins in the pocket that make inflammation worse. As this process continues, it contributes to the destruction of gum tissues and bone loss around the teeth, which is a main feature of periodontitis.
📖 How to Prevent Gum Disease?
How to Prevent Gum Disease?
Gingivitis can be largely prevented and treated with a combination of self-care and professional cleanings. More severe forms of gum disease can be managed by a dental health care provider and may include referral to a specialist called a periodontist. To help prevent or manage gum diseases, it is important to:
- Brush twice daily and floss every day to remove plaque and debris.
- Get regular professional cleanings.
- Have a dental checkup at least once a year, or more often if recommended by your health care provider.
📖 What Are the Treatment Options for Gum Disease?
What Are the Treatment Options for Gum Disease?
Treatment for periodontitis might include a non-surgical procedure commonly known as scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, of the affected tooth and root surfaces. Providers may also prescribe medication, such as an oral rinse or medicine placed directly under the affected gums. In more advanced cases, surgical procedures may be needed. Older adults on a limited budget can find low-cost care through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and many dental or dental hygiene schools operate clinics where care is provided based on ability to pay.
📖 Why Regular Dental Care Matters for Seniors?
Why Regular Dental Care Matters for Seniors?
Many older adults take medications that can reduce saliva or cause oral side effects, and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease raise the risk of gum problems. Because gum disease is so common after age 65, routine dental visits are an important part of healthy aging. Early treatment of gingivitis can stop it from progressing to periodontitis, and managing periodontitis protects overall health, including blood sugar control for people with diabetes.
📖 What Are Frequently Asked Questions?
What Are Frequently Asked Questions?
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis? Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that is reversible with good hygiene and professional cleaning. Periodontitis is a more advanced, irreversible condition involving bone loss that can be managed with professional treatment.
Can gum disease be cured? Gingivitis can be cured. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed down and managed with professional care.
How common is gum disease in older adults? About 60% of U.S. adults age 65 or older had periodontitis in a 2009-2014 national survey.
Does gum disease affect other health conditions? Yes. Untreated periodontitis can make chronic conditions such as diabetes worse.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Oral Health. This general health information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace professional dental care.
