A startling 1 out of every 2 Indian adults age 30 and older has periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe infection and tooth loss. It’s also associated with various chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Gum disease is not an issue to ignore, yet the majority of those who have the disease either haven’t been diagnosed or are not actively seeking treatment. During your regular dental exam, your dentist will look for signs of gum disease and also assess your future risk of developing gum disease. Knowing your risk level and how to watch for these signs yourself is also important. Ask your dentist what to watch for and what kind of preventive steps you can take to keep this dangerous disease at bay. If you are showing symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait to get treatment. Thanks to technological advancements, gum disease treatments today are minimally invasive and stop the disease right in its tracks