September is Gum Care Month, making it the perfect time to shine a spotlight on one of the most common—and often overlooked—oral health conditions. Gum disease affects nearly half of American adults over the age of 30, yet many people don’t realize they have it until it has already progressed.

The good news is that gum disease is often preventable, especially when you know what to look for. Here are a few interesting facts that may surprise you.