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May 17, 2012

Baby Boomers Facing Oral Health Test
Generation Can Easily Challenge Common Gum Disease

Baby boomers can't turn back the hands of time, but they can fight a disease that shows their age.

As the first baby boomers march into their 60s this year, oral health professionals are sounding a rallying cry for that generation to increase its awareness of the dangers of periodontal or gum disease.

"Although the oral health of the nation is improving and more people are keeping their teeth throughout their lifetimes, gum disease is still a problem.  It's important for baby boomers to pay increased attention to their oral health just as they are other areas of their well-being," said Katina Morelli, DDS, dental director for Delta Dental of Illinois.

Gum disease typically develops when plaque - the naturally occurring, bacteria- harboring mucus on teeth -- is allowed to build up along and under the mouth's gum line until it hardens into tartar. Symptoms of gum disease include bad breath; red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums; painful chewing; and sensitive teeth. At advanced stages, gum disease can lead to a loosening then loss of teeth.

According to the National Institutes of Health, people usually don't show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s.  While it's not merely age that encourages the onset of gum disease, the accumulated effects of lifestyle and genetic factors such as smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, stress, medications and illnesses can all have negative impacts on the health of gums. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease.

How can this generation lower the boom on gum disease and help avoid its unpleasant effects?

Oral health experts say the time-tested strategy of brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing every day is a great start. Visiting the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning is also critical in watching gum disease. Tweaking personal habits such as eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding the use of tobacco products also contributes to the noble cause.

"With a mix of self-awareness, daily care at home, and regular trips to the dentist, people can help keep their teeth and gums looking and feeling healthy for a lifetime," Dr. Morelli said.

Delta Dental of Illinois (DDIL) is a not-for-profit dental service corporation specializing in providing comprehensive, easy-to-use and cost-effective benefits to over one million employees and family members in more than 3,000 employee groups throughout Illinois. Based in Lisle, Ill., DDIL offers an array of extensive nationwide network-based managed fee-for-service, PPO and dental HMO plans.