Global Health Asia-Pacific September 2020 September 2020 | Page 13

Q
: What are the signs of gum disease requiring a
dental check-up?
A
: The clearest sign of gum disease is bleeding from the
gums. It can either happen when brushing or eating, or
even spontaneously.
Other accompanying signs could be itchiness, redness,
and swelling of the gums. You might also notice a bad taste or
smell. If your teeth become loose and it hurts when chewing,
you should seek immediate attention.
Are receding gums always a sign of gum disease or are they
also caused by other factors like excessive toothbrushing?
Gums recede when the gum disease is long-standing. They
get diseased when there’s a collection of bacteria or plaque
near the gums and, if left for too long, they try to ‘run away’
from the source of irritation. This leads to gum recession.
Receding gums can also be caused by other factors, like
poor toothbrushing techniques compounded by using a hard
toothbrush. If items like toothpicks are used wrongly and the
gums are constantly irritated, recession can occur as well.
Q
: Which risks and complications are associated with
gum disease?
A
: In the short term, bleeding, sensitivity, bad breath, and
gum pain may occur. Over time, this loss of gums and
the bone beneath could lead to tooth loss, which brings with it
the problems of not being able to eat properly and the health
issues related to poor nutrition and digestion.
Gum disease has also been linked to other conditions, like
heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and
kidney disease, as the bacteria that proliferate and thrive in
gums can also affect other organs.
Q
: What causes it? Are there any factors that
increase the risk of developing it?
A
: Simply put, bacteria. They collect and mass in what is
called plaque. Plaque will accumulate especially in areas
near our gums and over time can become hard, forming tartar.
If enough time is given without the plaque being disturbed, it
will irritate the gums and start the disease process.
There are also other causes of gum disease. Some are
transient, like the hormonal changes in pregnancy, usage of
some medications, diabetes, smoking, failing dental work, and
others. It’s important to visit a dental professional in order to
diagnose properly if you have the symptoms of gum disease.
This would be done in any case if you visit the dentist regularly.
The main thing is to recognise the signs our bodies are giving
us and seek professional help when needed.
Q
: How do you treat the condition in the early
stage? Is surgery often required for advanced gum
disease?
A
: The best treatment actually is prevention, such as a good
toothbrushing regime and technique, as well as flossing
and regular visits to the dentist for cleaning and assessment. If
the disease is at an early stage, these steps also hold true. It can
be treated and the situation reversed. Each person is unique,
and guidance from a dental professional in each case is very
important to regain dental health.
In advanced disease, treatment becomes more complicated.
You may need to see a gum specialist, called a periodontist,
who will assess and record the level of disease and damage. The
objective of treatment at this point is to arrest the disease and
prevent further damage. It’s still very challenging to restore
gums to their original levels and condition once damage is
done. However, if the disease is arrested, normal function can
be achieved.
Surgery can be an option when significant gum and bone
loss have occurred. Surgery is carried out in tandem with
reinforcing good oral hygiene routines and consistent visits to
a dental professional.
Q
: Are there effective measures to prevent it?
A
: In addition to good toothbrushing, flossing, and
regular six-monthly visits to the dentist, mouth
rinses are used to reduce bacterial growth and can be helpful
in keeping gum disease at bay. Brushing before sleeping is
especially important. Saliva protects our teeth and gums, and
when we sleep, less of it is produced and bacteria can thrive
and cause more damage.
A diet low in sugar is good for your teeth and gums, just as it
is for the well-being of your entire body.
Dr Suresh Nair
Dr Suresh Nair is a dental expert at the Pristine
Dental Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific.com
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020
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