What proportion of adults age 65 and older have gum disease?

What proportion of adults age 65 and older have gum disease?

• A. Two in three (68%)
• B. One in three (34%)
• C. Three in four (75%)
• D. One in five (20%)

Answer: (A)

Gum disease is very common in adults 65 and older, with a large majority having some level of periodontal disease (including gingivitis or the more advanced periodontitis) due to lifelong exposure to risk factors like plaque, smoking, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. The best answer reflects this high prevalence: about two in three people, roughly 68%, in this age group have gum disease. The other options either underestimate (one in three) or overstate slightly (75%) or miss the mark by being far too low (one in five).

Gum disease is very common in adults 65 and older, with a large majority having some level of periodontal disease (including gingivitis or the more advanced periodontitis) due to lifelong exposure to risk factors like plaque, smoking, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. The best answer reflects this high prevalence: about two in three people, roughly 68%, in this age group have gum disease. The other options either underestimate (one in three) or overstate slightly (75%) or miss the mark by being far too low (one in five).