Nearly half of adults have periodontal disease

Over 47 percent of the U.S. adult population have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis. In addition, nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults over age 65 have moderate to severe forms of periodontal disease.

These findings are based on epidemiologic data from the 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey (NHANES). The new CDC study is the first to use the FMPE protocol on a national probability sample from the U.S. civilian population. As noted by the study authors, using the FMPE protocol rather than a partial-mouth evaluation provided “optimal surveillance measurements for assessing the burden of periodontitis across the U.S. population.”

The CDC researchers determined that 47.2 percent of 2009–2010 participants aged 30 years and older exhibit some form of periodontitis (mild, moderate or severe). This means that 65 million U.S. adults over age 30 are estimated to have periodontitis, and 64 percent of adults over age 65 have moderate to severe forms of the disease.

The CDC also found oral health disparities among racial and ethnic groups, and persons with lower education and income. These researchers also indicate that previous national surveys may have significantly underestimated the true burden of periodontitis in the adult U.S. population.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by loss of connective tissue between teeth and gums, but this condition can be successfully treated and managed. Given the considerable burden of periodontitis, dentists are encouraged to include a periodontal assessment in the clinical examination of adults of all ages, especially middle-aged and elderly patients, and to provide or refer patients for appropriate therapy when indicated. To maintain oral health and prevent periodontal disease, the ADA promotes the importance of good oral hygiene and regular dental care. The ADA also encourages dentists to take thorough health histories, evaluate patients for oral diseases, promote tobacco cessation, and identify risk factors that may predispose patients to periodontal disease.