[Media Report] More than 90% of Chinese people have gum or periodontal problems. Proper oral hygiene is the most important thing

CNEWS Convergence News Network reporters Hu Zhaoxin and Shi Jianhong/Reporting from Taipei

Don’t underestimate your oral health! More than 90% of Taiwanese adults suffer from gingivitis or periodontitis, which not only causes red, swollen and bleeding gums, but may even cause loosening or loss of teeth in the long run. Relapse after treatment is a common problem faced by periodontal disease patients. Only by effectively reducing the risk of periodontal disease recurrence can we help maintain a healthy oral condition.

Ye Liwei, a periodontal disease and dental implant specialist in the contemporary dental medical system, pointed out that periodontal disease is a disease caused by bacterial infection of the periodontal supporting tissue, and the main cause is dental plaque. The main cause of periodontal disease is mostly due to improper personal cleaning methods or neglect of oral health care, allowing food residues to remain on the edges of the gums. Usually, plaque will quickly breed within a few hours after eating. If cleaning is not done well, over time the plaque will produce an inflammatory reaction, destroy the periodontal tissue, and lead to periodontal disease.
 

Good living habits can help reduce the risk and severity of periodontal disease and gingivitis, or prevent the progression of periodontal disease. Ye Liwei said that correct oral physical cleaning is the most important. Periodontal disease can be prevented through "correct brushing" and "regular teeth cleaning." The first is "regular professional cleaning." Regular deep cleaning by dental professionals is the key to preventing the recurrence of periodontal disease.
 

Physicians recommend professional dental cleanings at least once every six months. Patients known to be at high risk may need more frequent treatments. Professional cleaning can effectively remove plaque and tartar from the gum edges and under the roots of the teeth, which are areas that are difficult to remove with daily brushing.

Secondly, "correct daily oral care" is equally important. Ye Liwei said that good daily oral hygiene habits are the basis for preventing the recurrence of any periodontal disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, use fluoride toothpaste, and floss or clean the spaces between your teeth every day. The next step is "not smoking". Smoking is one of the main risk factors for the progression and recurrence of periodontal disease. Not only does quitting smoking help reduce the risk of periodontal disease, it can also improve your overall health.
 

"Healthy diet" and "regular check-ups" are indispensable. Doctors remind that a balanced diet is rich in vitamin C and vitamin K. These two nutrients are especially important for gum health. Avoid excessive sugar intake, as sugar can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth and increase the risk of periodontal disease. If your periodontal disease is under control, you should also receive regular dental check-ups. This can help you detect problems early and deal with them promptly to avoid worsening of the condition again.

Ye Liwei said that if you have chronic diseases such as diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease. High blood sugar increases the risk of periodontal infection. Treating and managing periodontal disease is an ongoing process that requires the combined efforts of patients, dentists, and other health professionals. Paying attention to and doing well in each aspect can greatly reduce the risk of periodontal disease recurrence.
 

Photo credit: Contemporary Dental Healthcare System