Alex Rodriguez opens up about a condition shared by nearly half of American adults.
During an appearance on “CBS Mornings” on Wednesday, the baseball star-turned-sports commentator, who is 47, revealed that he was recently diagnosed with early-stage gum disease.
“Looks can be deceiving,” he said with a smile. “I just recently went to see my dentist and thought nothing of gum disease. And the dentist tells me the news and then I come to find out that over 65 million Americans have this gum disease.”
Rodriguez, known as A-Rod, partnered with health products company OraPharma to help raise awareness. He urged people to take care of their teeth and visit their dentist.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention46% of US adults 30 and older have some form of gingivitis, and it’s even more common after age 65.
What is gum disease?
Gingivitis, also called periodontitis or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that destroys the tissues around the teeth that help keep them in place.
If left untreated, it can worsen, making chewing painful or even leading to loosening or loss of teeth.
According to the CDC, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.
While healthy gums are tight and fit snugly around the teeth, symptoms of gum disease they include swollen or swollen gums, sensitive gums, gums that bleed easily, and bright red, dark red, or dark purple gums, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Other signs include bad breath and receding gums, which is when the gums pull away from the teeth.
What causes gum disease?
Gingivitis is typical caused by poor brushing and flossing habits, which allow plaque to build up on the teeth, explains the National Institute of Health.
“Plaque that is not removed every day can harden and form tartar, and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease,” the NIH website states.
Other risk factors include genetics, hormonal changes, certain existing conditions, such as diabetes and their medications, and most importantly, smoking, the NIH says. He also notes that tobacco use can make gum disease treatment less successful.
Can gum disease be treated?
Although gum disease is not curable, it can be treated with certain treatment options.
“The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatments will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease,” says the NIH, noting that any treatment will require the patient to maintain good oral hygiene.
To help prevent gum disease or improve the chance of successful treatment, the Mayo Clinic recommends:
- Brush at least twice a day
- Daily thread
- Have regular dental checkups
Sarah Lynch Baldwin contributed to this report.
