[Kim Jaeho's Life Story]<248> Why Gum Disease Can Lead to Serious Problems

Most health problems that occur in the mouth involve the teeth and gums. In South Korea, the number of people who received treatment for gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis was 17.41 million in 2021, which is significantly higher than the 6.36 million who received treatment for dental caries, representing a 14.6% increase compared to 2017.

According to the National Health Information Portal, the prevalence of gum disease among adults aged 19 and older in South Korea is 29.8%, and the prevalence increases with age. The prevalence rates by age group are 5.1% for those in their 20s, 15.5% for those in their 30s, 30.1% for those in their 40s, 47.0% for those in their 50s, 47.6% for those in their 60s, and 47.5% for those aged 70 and above, with a particularly rapid increase in prevalence among those over 50.

If teeth are not strong, people cannot chew food properly, so there is a lot of interest in dental health. However, since gums do not directly participate in chewing, people tend to overlook gum health. It is essential to remember that gum damage can lead to worse consequences than untreated cavities.

The gums surround the roots of the teeth, keeping them in place and preventing them from falling out. They also support the teeth by reducing the impact when chewing food. Additionally, gums form a tight seal that prevents food debris and bacteria in the mouth from entering the body.

Therefore, when gums are damaged, two main functions are impaired. If the protective function fails, unlike cavities that can be resolved by treating the affected tooth alone, in the worst case, multiple teeth may need to be extracted simultaneously. Furthermore, bacteria can enter the body through damaged gums, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, pregnancy complications, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Gum disease and cavities both begin with plaque, a thin, transparent film formed on the teeth by a mixture of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. Plaque can be easily removed with a toothbrush or dental floss, but if not removed, it hardens into tartar, which is difficult to eliminate. Inside tartar, bacteria multiply exponentially by utilizing sugars in food, producing acidic substances that dissolve the tooth’s calcified components causing cavities, and toxins that cause inflammation in the gums leading to gingivitis.

Gum disease starts with gingivitis, where inflammation is limited to the soft tissues of the gums. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are swollen, red gums that bleed when brushing teeth or eating. Gingivitis can be prevented and even cured with good oral hygiene at home, and it can be easily treated by visiting a dental clinic for scaling to remove tartar.

If gingivitis progresses, the bone surrounding the teeth below the gums, called the alveolar bone, is damaged, leading to periodontitis, also known as pyorrhea. As periodontitis advances, symptoms include bleeding, swelling, pus in the gums, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, discomfort from food stuck between teeth, and a feeling of weakness when chewing. Early treatment of periodontitis yields better results, and if treatment is delayed, tooth extraction may become necessary.

The importance of gum health can also be considered in relation to dental implants. When tooth extraction becomes necessary for any reason, the success of an implant depends on the condition of the gums. Particularly, poor gum health due to periodontal disease increases the likelihood of implant failure.

Prevention is the best approach for gum disease, and if gum disease occurs, it is advisable to seek treatment promptly before severe damage to the bone beneath the gums occurs. To prevent gum disease, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, just as with cavities. Plaque should be thoroughly removed using a toothbrush and dental floss before it hardens into tartar, and annual scaling is necessary to prevent tartar from developing into cavities or periodontitis.

Improving diet and quitting smoking are also important to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. It is advisable to limit the intake of foods and beverages high in sugar, foods that can convert to sugars in the mouth, and foods that are not easily washed away in the mouth. Reducing snacks is recommended, and when snacking, it is better to consume vegetables and fruits rich in fiber.

Furthermore, to prevent various complications caused by bacteria entering the body through damaged gums, it is important to create a good environment where genes can work energetically, a lifestyle known as Newstart (refer to Life Story Part 6).

Among the eight components of Newstart, the first is a life diet that involves eating a variety of plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, and grains in their whole form without selective eating. Along with this, it is important to reduce the intake of sugar, which causes many problems when consumed excessively, as well as processed or refined bad carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and alcohol.

Additionally, practicing the other Newstart components?exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest, trust, and love?is also important.

Independent Researcher