Gum disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the gums around the base of the teeth. According to the CDC, 47.2 percent of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. The likelihood increases all the way to 70.1 percent for adults who are 65 years and older. It can be dangerous or life-threatening if left untreated. But there are stages to this infection that are helpful to understand. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Ripon about what gingivitis and periodontitis are, signs and symptoms, plus how you can prevent gum disease.
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