Over 42 Million Americans Have Severe Gum Disease

According to a new study, 42 million Americans live with severe gum disease, and New York is among the hardest-hit states. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can progress without dramatic symptoms, and by the time many people notice it, it’s already done damage.

The Numbers Are Striking

Published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, the study looked at severe gum disease across the US. The data the researchers used was collected from 1990 through 2021, and the findings from this pool of data were notable. In 2021 alone, the U.S. recorded around 3.9 million new cases of severe periodontitis. In total, more than 42.4 million Americans were living with it. Severe gum disease is more than mild gum sensitivity or the occasional bleeding when you floss. It indicates a deeper infection in the gums around your teeth, and sometimes bone loss in your jaw. If left untreated, it may lead to eventual tooth loss. And here’s the part that hits close to home: New York had some of the highest rates in the country for severe gum disease. Approximately 1,089 out of 100,000 people in the city have severe gum disease, which is about 1 in every 92 people.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Age matters more than most people realize. The highest rates of severe periodontitis occur in adults between 50 and 64 years old. Interestingly, that peak has actually shifted over time. In 1990, the hardest-hit group was adults in their early 40s. As our general population gets older, we see more gum disease in later life. If you’re in your 50s or 60s, your gums deserve more attention than they may have required in your younger years. Men are more affected than women. Across nearly all age groups, men have higher rates of severe gum disease compared to women. Some of this may be biological. Hormones like testosterone can affect how the human body responds to inflammation. But behavior matters too. Research shows that men are more likely to skip regular dental check-ups, and less likely to follow treatment advice (2). Aging is a risk factor too. As we age, our immune system changes, and our gum tissue becomes more vulnerable. At the same time, conditions which increase the risk of gum disease like high blood pressure and diabetes become more common.

Why Are Total Cases Going Up?

You might be wondering: if dental care has improved so much, why are there still so many cases? The researchers dug into exactly that question, and the answer is actually somewhat reassuring. The rate of severe gum disease per person has been on a gradual decline since 2014. What’s driving the rise in total case numbers isn’t worsening disease biology. It’s the fact that the U.S. population is simply growing and aging. More people, more older people, means more cases, even as individual-level risk improves.

Why This Matters Beyond Your Mouth

We talk about this a lot at CPW Dentistry, because it genuinely shapes how we approach care. Your gum health isn’t separate from your health; it is part of it. A 2023 report from the European Federation of Periodontology found strong links between gum disease, heart disease, and diabetes (3). Gum disease can make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. The long-term inflammation from untreated gums may raise the risk of heart disease as well. So when we’re treating your gums, we’re not just thinking about your teeth. We’re thinking about your whole body.

What You Can Do About It

Here’s the empowering part. Severe gum disease isn’t inevitable, and in most cases, it can be prevented. The earlier it is caught, the better your treatment outcomes will be. Regular dental visits and early care will make the biggest difference. Consistent cleanings matter more than most people think. A professional cleaning clears away the hardened buildup that at-home dental care cannot get rid of. This also helps your dentist or hygienist spot early signs of periodontal disease before they turn into bigger problems. A periodontal screening is a simple measurement of the pockets around each tooth. A minute or two of information that can make a real difference.

If it’s been a while, that’s okay. We’re going to meet you where you are and figure out the best path forward together. Our patients are our neighbors, and we want every one of them to have the information and the access they need to protect their health. Have questions about your gum health or want to schedule a periodontal screening? We’re here seven days a week.

Sources:

1. Wang Y, Zhao X, Yu Y. “The burden of severe periodontitis in the United States: Insights from a population-based analysis.” Journal of the American Dental Association. 2026;157(2):123-132.

2. Lipsky MS, Su S, Crespo CJ, Hung M. “Men and oral health: A review of sex and gender differences.” American Journal of Men’s Health. 2021;15(3):15579883211016361.

3. Herrera D, et al. “Association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2023.