Periodontal disease is a gum disease that is not unusual. Thus the Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research  indicates that 80 percent of Americans have some form of gum disease or periodontal disease. The problem begins with the plate. ( "Oral Hygiene") The plate is not removed can harden and form bacteria that turns into tartar. Once this happens, the brush is not enough. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist can remove tartar.

If plaque or calculus are not removed, the bacteria cause inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and may bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and is usually reversible with daily brushing and regular cleaning by a dentist. This form of the gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that holds teeth in place.

When gingivitis is not treated, can advance to periodontitis. In periodontitis, gums backs out of the tooth forming pockets that become infected. The body's immune system resist the bacteria when the plate is scatters and grows under the gum line. Bacterial toxins and enzymes that attack the body infection usually start under the broken bone and connective tissue that holds the tooth in place. If left untreated, bones, gums and connective tissue that supports the teeth is destroyed. The teeth will eventually loosen and have to be removed.
 

The average life expectancy is rising. You would like to maintain your own teeth as long as you live.

Certain conditions can occur in seniors that would not normally be found in younger individuals and can affect the health of their teeth, as well as their overall physical well being. More than one-third of the world population live in Asian countries, and Aging causes the health problems of not only systemic diseases but also oral health in these countries. Oral health care compromised for the elderly should not be solely based on the activity of dentists, but also interdisciplinary health care teams including dental hygienists, nurses, health workers, and medical doctors. However, these team care systems are not satisfactory at present.

Here is a list of dental factors you have consider elderly:

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Tooth Wear and Excessive Staining
Dental Decay (Root Surface)
Loss or Alteration in Taste
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
When is it time for a new denture?
Denture Care
Solutions for missing teeth 
 

Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) are bacterial infections in the gums that can possibly achieve the fibers and bone supporting the teeth. If not treated, there may be tooth mobility, or even a possible loss of teeth.

People with diabetes are more susceptible to disease, probably because they are more likely to develop infections and take longer to heal. Those who do not control their diabetes may be more affected by these diseases, and it becomes more difficult to control the damage.

Research has shown that the relationship between diabetes and gum disease goes in both directions. Diabetes increases the risk of contracting the disease. But these diseases make it more difficult to control the rate of blood sugar in people with diabetes.

People with diabetes who smoke are at even a higher risk – up to 20 times more likely than nonsmokers — for the development of thrush and periodontal disease. Smoking also seems to impair blood flow to the gums — which may affect wound healing in this tissue area.

It is very important to check the status of its gums on a regular basis, and treat diseases if you are diabetic. Dentists and periodontist also advise dental cleaning every three months rather than six months to remove plaque and tartar that affect the health of gums.