(Dr. Joseph D. Lim Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim)
PERIODONTITIS is often taken for granted as a simple inflammation of the gums. However, it is more than that.
To start with, strictly speaking, periodontal diseases are caused by infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth.
When left untreated, periodontitis shrinks the gums and loosens the tissues around the teeth.
Gingivitis is the early stage of the disease. This is when the gums are swollen and becomes red; the gums may bleed. Periodontitis can progress to a more severe form when the gums pull away from the tooth, bone is lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall out.
Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health for Americans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the United States, periodontitis is more common in men than women, those living in poverty, with less than a high school education and cigarette smokers.
Although periodontitis is more common in adults and the elderly, the disease can also occur in children and teens.
Beyond what is often dismissed as a simple āgum diseaseā, periodontitis is linked to many comorbidities, a term that has become common in the pandemic age.
Comorbidities linked to periodontitis include inflammatory disorders such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain cancers.
Periodontitis is linked Alzheimer’s. It is also common among diabetes patients and is in fact considered a complication of diabetes.
Diabetes affects oral health, while periodontitis affects blood sugar levels. Periodontal disease may also increase the risk for complications related to diabetes.
Studies have associated chronic inflammation seen in periodontitis and the risk of malignant transformation in organs such as the oral cavity, head and neck area, esophagus, stomach, liver, colon, uterine cervix, ovaries, urinary bladder, and lung.
The studies suggest that periodontal infection heightens the risk of developing cancer.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to manage the disease. This is best done by seeing dentists regularly.
The management and prevention of periodontal disease by dental professionals is very important.
Their role as well in discouraging people from smoking cannot be overemphasized.
The same is true for their encouraging good oral hygiene, from brushing with fluoride toothpaste and using dental floss every day, to visiting the dentist for routine exams at least twice a year, says Dr. Fabiano M. Serfaty, in an article for Medscape which is published online by WebMD, a website providing access to medical information.
***
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
