Oral-Systemic Health:
What is it?

Dr. Chung Kong Mun
BDS (Singapore), Certificate in Periodontics
(USA), MSc Periodontics (USA)
President, Asian Pacific Society of
Periodontology
Immediate past President,
Society of Periodontology (Singapore)
Adjunct Associate Professor,
Department of Preventive Dentistry, NUS
Fellow, Academy of Medicine, Singapore

Good oral health has taken a new meaning today. Studies have shown that diabetes and coronary heart disease have some association with gum disease (periodontitis). Unfortunately, many periodontists (dentists who specialize in treatment of gum disease/condition) notice that gum disease is frequently disregarded by most patients since early disease cause little to no signs or symptoms. Studies have shown that diabetics are more likely to suffer from periodontitis. Therefore, gum disease is known and acknowledged to be another potential complication of diabetes. Recent research also suggests association between gum disease and coronary heart disease. Thus patients with untreated periodontitis may be exposed to increased risk of developing coronary heart disease.

What is Periodontitis?
In simple words, it is a chronic mixed bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. The World Health Organization has shown that between 5-15% of the population suffer from severe periodontitis. But unfortunately, as opposed to tooth decay, the public has little knowledge or understanding about gum disease or periodontitis. While dentists know that gum disease is a leading reason for tooth loss in adults aged 40 and above plus it is a 'silent disease', not causing pain until reachingthe severe stage, yet many patients remain in the dark. As it is with diabetes and other medical conditions, it is important for everyone to be screened regularly so as to facilitate early detection. The diagnostic tool used to detect periodontitis is the simple basic periodontal examination and evaluation and dental X-rays.
Since early signs are easily missed, how can periodontitis be recognized, treated and kept under control?
Apart from a little bleeding during brushing, accompanied sometimes with bad breath, itchy or vague uneasy feeling in the gums, there are no painful symptoms that could serve as an alarm. Therefore, it is important to consult the dentist to perform clinical tests with X-rays to check for the presence of gum disease. The good news is that periodontitis can be treated and the best treatment results are obtained when it is detected at an early stage. The 2nd piece of good news is that periodontal therapy can, through surgical procedures in some advanced cases, regenerate bone and gum tissue. The final piece of good news is that with regular professional reviews and practice of good daily personal oral hygiene, with the help of an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory toothpaste/mouthrinse, periodontitis can be kept under control and recurrence can be minimized.Regular dental visits with good personal oral hygiene practice can help keep the mouth healthy and even help prevent other serious conditions from arising.