Periodontal, or gum, disease is a function of aging. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that about half of Americans have it in some form.
A February 2016 study published in the Journal of Dental Research is the first to break down periodontal disease by state. The findings showed that periodontal disease was highest in the southwestern and southeastern US, and along the Mississippi Delta. The incidence ranged from a high of 52.8% in New Mexico and 51.1% in Hawaii to 37.7% in Utah.
People with bleeding disorders are also prone to gum disease. By maintaining a solid daily regimen of brushing, flossing, swishing with antibacterial mouthwash and visiting your dentist twice a year, you can prevent gum disease.
For more information, visit www.perio.org and read this HemAware article: http://www.hemaware.org/mind-body/dont-let-gum-disease-get-you.