Pay attention to the health of your gums and teeth, as this contributes to overall health, including reduced risk of certain diseases. — 123rf.com
PREVENTION of gum disease is important and experts recommend developing a habit of maintaining healthy gums and teeth from a young age, with parents showing examples of good oral care to their children.
According to the National Oral Health Survey for School Children in Malaysia (NOHSS) in 2015, 99.6% of 12-year-old children experienced bleeding gums, an early sign of gum disease.
Ministry of Health principal director of oral health Dr Noormi Othman says in 2019, some 9.2% of those 15 years and above suffer from severe periodontal disease, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Dr Noormi says there is a need to teach Malaysians about self oral health care before and after brushing their teeth, like checking for bleeding gums, food debris or swelling. — Photos: Systema
“Poor oral hygiene is a major risk factor, coupled with others, such as tobacco use. There is a need to teach and empower Malaysians for self oral health care before and after brushing their teeth, such as checking for bleeding gums, food debris or swelling which will help with early detection of oral conditions,” she says.
“While the ministry has done a lot to prevent and control gum disease through public education, awareness campaigns and access to dental care, we need to continue to reach out to the public to get them to pay attention to the health of their gums and teeth,” says Dr Noormi.
Malaysian Society of Periodontology (MSP) vice-president Dr Mohd Faizal Hafez Hidayat says gum care is very important but often neglected. Gums protect our teeth and without correct gum care, bacteria find their way into our teeth, causing infection and inflammation.
Dr Mohd Faizal says without correct gum care, bacteria find its way in our teeth, causing infection and inflammation.
“Unaddressed early, it can lead to the destruction of gum tissue, leading to gum disease. It starts with plaque, which then builds up under and along the gum line. Gum disease may even increase the risk of osteoporosis, heart diseases, stroke and diabetes,” he says.
A study conducted on Malaysian adults by Lion Corporation Japan revealed that 80% of respondents had at least one visible sign or symptom of gum disease, but only 1% were aware of it.
To address that, its brand Systema launched the Be #GumProud campaign to help Malaysians understand the importance of gum health and correct gum care.
