(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
GUMS keep the teeth in place.
And yet they are often taken for granted, never mind that gums are the structure that support the teeth. They prevent infectious bacteria from entering the deeper parts of the teeth as well.
Not treating gums they way they deserve attention causes what is often called a silent epidemic.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), about four in 10 American adults aged 30 years or older have had gum (periodontal) diseases in 2009-2014.
Gum disease, according to the US CDC, is the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth.
Certain chronic conditions increase one’s risk for gum disease: diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor oral hygiene, and heredity. Tobacco use is also an important risk factor for gum disease. If early forms of gum diseases are not treated, the bone that supports the teeth may be lost, and the gums may become infected.
Teeth with little bone support may also become loose and may eventually have to be extracted.
One form of gum disease is gingivitis, a common and mild infection that causes redness, irritation, bleeding and swelling of the gum around the base of the teeth.
Advanced periodontitis is a chronic infection that affects the soft tissues of the gum. This is what can damage the bone that supports the teeth.
There are ways to identify gum problems at the very beginning.
Gum discoloration, for example, indicates trouble. Gum should be in their original color pink. When they turn white, bright red or black, gum disease may be the reason.
A sharp burning sensation or gum irritation when eating is another sign.
So is gum tenderness. A slight touch with the finger or toothbrush bristles that causes pain in the gum and bleeding later on is another symptom.
Having healthy gums is not as difficult as it may seem. It can be as simple as brushing the teeth at least twice a day to prevent dental cavities, tooth sensitivity, and plaque formation.
Brush about 2 to 3 minutes per brush, spending 30 seconds in each area of the mouth. Each tooth should be brushed properly.
Swishing with a mouthwash gives extra protection as the mouthwash is spread into the crevices and soft tissue of the mouth that may be otherwise unreachable to a toothbrush.
Oh, yes: stop smoking as it has negative impacts on the teeth, the gums, the lungs and the heart.
And visit the dentist at least once a year.
***
Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
***
Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
