This paid piece is sponsored by Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Everyone talks about cavities — dental caries is what your dentist will call them — but gum disease, also known as periodontal disease and gingivitis, is also very prevalent in our society.

Statistics show the following:

• 47 percent of adults 30 and older have some form of this disease. 
• 70 percent of adults 65 and older have some form of this disease.
• Gingival disease is more prevalent for men than for women.
• People living below the federal poverty level, people with diabetes and smokers are more likely to have this disease. 

This disease is also not without systematic concerns. Individuals with periodontal disease have an estimated 19 percent greater incidence of coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. We are learning that inflammatory products, circulating in the bloodstream, are a major determinant of these medical problems. Since periodontal disease churns out a lot of inflammatory markers, it can be a distinct agitator to larger medical issues.

Some of the best things you can do for yourself to combat gum disease are as follows:

• Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal, especially if there are refined sugars present. Though most people will brush their teeth twice a day, the higher standard is always superior. 
• Floss your teeth twice a day. Since flossing has a direct correlation to keeping the areas between your teeth clean, often where toothbrushes can’t get to, you effectively can eliminate the bacteria that helps gum disease form. 
• Brush the other mucosal surfaces of your mouth such as your cheeks, gums, palate and tongue — this is the one thing most everyone forgets. All these areas harbor bacteria that need to be disrupted and swept away by the toothbrush.
• See your dentist team to examine and clean your teeth and gingival tissue professionally. Usually, these visits are twice a year, but many people need to go four times a year to disrupt the aggressive plaque matrix that forms. 

With people living longer and naturally wanting a better quality of life, it takes a sustained effort to maintain and take care of your teeth and gums. This way when you are in your geriatric years, you can enjoy a great quality of life with teeth and healthy gums.

So whatever age you are, that maintenance starts today so you have a health mouth tomorrow! You will thus ensure that all of your Christmas and New Year’s smiles remain healthy and bright.