At what age does gum disease generally start?

Gum disease can start at any age, especially if other risk factors are at play. If you are a heavy smoker or have uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease can start as soon as the late teens/early twenties. In other cases, it often becomes evident around middle-age. However, even at this juncture, attachment and bone loss are a byproduct of a chronic disease that has been going on for several years. This is why it is very important to have regular dental visits. A cleaning should include an evaluation of your gums with a thin instrument called a probe that measures the depth of the crevice between your teeth and gums. Early gum disease can often be halted and put into remission via regular dental visits and daily home care.