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According to a new study, nearly 50% of adults in the US over the age of 30 are suffering from periodontal disease. The study was carried out by a team of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several other findings of importance included the fact that certain groups were affected more than the others. These groups included smokers, Mexican-Americans, people who lived in poor conditions, and individuals with less than a high school education. More about the study appeared online on Aug. 30 in the Journal of Dental Research.

The study found a higher incidence of periodontitis than what was expected by the investigators. The data revealed that 47.2% of adults throughout the US are suffering from periodontitis. Of those with disease, 8.7% of adults have a mild degree of periodontitis, 30% a moderate form, while 8.5% are suffering from the more severe form of the disease. Meanwhile, the incidence of periodontitis among adults older than 65 years was almost 70%.

The study team also noticed significant difference between different groups in the society. For instance, men demonstrated higher rates of periodontitis (56.4% versus 38.4% in women). Mexican-Americans also had a higher incidence rate (66.7%), while in people living in poor conditions, less then the federal poverty level, the percent was 65.4%.

The study team used data from the 2009 and 2010 CDC National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The latter evaluated the health and living conditions of 3,742 adult citizens at the age of 30 and above. The survey involved conducting a full-mouth periodontal examination.

Commenting on the results of the study, Paul Eke, lead author of the study and CDC epidemiologist, said "Periodontal disease is associated with age and as Americans live longer and retain more of their natural teeth, periodontal disease may take on more prominence in the oral health of the U.S. adult population in the future,"

He continued "Our findings support a need for public health programs to improve the oral health of adults,"