CDC:Half of U.S. Adults Have Periodontal Disease

The finding of a survey from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control(CDC)show that one out of every two American adults age 30 or older has periodontal disease. The data indicates that 47 % or 64.7 million American adults have some form of periodontal disease . In adults older than age 65 , prevalence rates increase to 70%. The survey included a full-mouth periodontal examination because periodontal disease is very site specific , meaning not every tooth has the disease at the same time. The data show the disease is higher in men(54%) than women(38%) and is highest in Mexican-Americans(66%) . The next highest was current smokers(64%) , those living below the federal poverty level(65%) and those with less than a high school education(66%).Periodontal disease is associated with age , and as Americans live longer and retain more of therir natural teeth , periodontal disease may take on a more prominent role in the oral health of the U.S. population.