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Periodontal disease or Gum disease refers to the chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Approximately 85% of Singaporeans are affected by mild to moderate periodontal diseases and up to 5 to 15% are affected by severe periodontal conditions. It can affect one tooth or several teeth. If left untreated, the infection may lead to tooth loss.
Dr Hemalatha Nathan a dental surgeon of 40 years of experience, practicing in the public & private sectors, and having taught both dental undergraduates and oral health therapists says “In my practice, I see patients with gum problems very often. Not many people are aware that they have problems with their gum and sometimes it might be because of infrequent visits to their dentists”.
At a recent face-to-face interview with Dr Hemalatha, she highlighted important facts you should know about periodontal diseases.
What are the causes of periodontal diseases?
Periodontal disease is caused by the reaction of the body to the accumulation of plaque which is a biofilm containing a community of bacteria held together by salivary proteins and appears as a colourless sticky substance on the teeth. Long term accumulation leads to hardening and the formation of tartar which because of its rough surface encourages more bacterial accumulation. People who have compromised immune responses due to diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or habits like smoking are at higher risk to getting the more severe form of periodontal disease.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Increased spacing between teeth
- Loose teeth
How do we prevent periodontal disease?
You can actively prevent periodontal diseases by:
- Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth in the proper manner using the right kind of toothbrush
- Rinsing your mouth after every meal to remove the food stuck between your teeth.
- Using special brushes as advised by the oral health care professional to clean the areas that cannot be reached with a normal toothbrush.
- Cleaning your tongue with a tongue cleaner.
- Visiting a dentist every 6 months for regular risk assessment. Having cavities or defective fillings, brushing injuries and tartar can significantly raise the chances of getting periodontal disease.
- Quitting smoking and chewing tobacco and taking control of your general health.
What are the myths surrounding periodontal disease?
Myth 1: Only the elderly risk getting the periodontal disease
Fact: Anyone can get periodontal disease, including children (gingivitis). However, the disease is more severe in patients older than 40 years old, as aging leads to a weaker immune system and taking of multiple medications together with changes in hormonal level. Diabetic, heart patients and pregnant women should take special care and see a dentist more regularly.
Myth 2: Bleeding gums are normal
Fact: Saying that is the same as saying bleeding ears and noses are normal. Bleeding gums are the result of excessive bacterial growth and can eventually lead to periodontal disease. Healthy gums do not bleed on brushing.
Myth 3: I brush my teeth every day, so I will not develop periodontal disease
Fact: This is a big myth. Some people brush their teeth often, but they still developed periodontal disease. This may be because they are using the wrong brushing technique and therefore are missing out on cleaning certain areas between and their teeth and on the inner sides of teeth. Some may have used the wrong toothbrush, as hard toothbrushes can wear out the teeth. It is also recommended to change your toothbrush every 3 months.
Myth 4: Getting periodontal disease means that you will lose all your teeth
Fact: Not necessarily. If you treat it early, you can save all or most of your teeth. However, if you neglect it and don’t treat it at all, the end result could be the loss of all your teeth.
Myth 5: I don’t have to see a dentist if there is nothing wrong with my gums
Fact: People often think that they have nothing wrong with their gums. However, they may have overlooked issues such as tartar accumulation, bleeding gums, teeth spacing, gum recession and bad breath.
Myth 6: The treatment for periodontal disease is painful
Fact: No, the treatment is not painful. If it is very painful due to the inflammation caused by the increased bacteria around the tooth and gums, the dentist can numb the area during the treatment.
Myth 7: Periodontal disease is not a serious condition
Fact: It is a very serious and progressive disease. If a small dental issue is left untreated, it can become something very serious in the future. For example, untreated bleeding gums can eventually lead to the severe form of periodontal disease which will eventually result in loss of all your teeth.
Bottom line: Regular dental check-ups and personal hygiene can help to lower the risk of periodontal disease.
Regular dental visits are essential not only for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums, but for overall health.
“Oral health is an indication of overall well-being”
This article is written after interviewing Dr Hemalatha Nathan, a dental surgeon practising at Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Singapore.
If you would like to make an appointment with a dental surgeon:
Find a dental surgeon in Singapore on GetDoc
Find a dental surgeon in Malaysia on GetDoc
by Aditi Upadhyay
View all articles by Aditi Upadhyay.
