February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, according to the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD). While 50 million Americans have moderate to severe gum disease, 40 million don’t even know they have it—and 3% of those who do know don’t even seek treatment. It’s easily prevented, too. Untreated, though, it could lead to systemic problems like heart disease, diabetes, and more.
“We believe the ramifications of this study could increase access to oral health care for populations at higher risk for developing periodontitis,” said William Giannobile, editor in chief of the Journal of Dental Research, which published the study, “Predicting Periodontitis at State and Local Levels in the United States.” – See more at: http://www.dentistrytoday.com/news/todays-dental-news/item/714-gum-disease-rates-ranked-state-by-state#sthash.j20E58HP.dpuf