Regular examination and early treatment of periodontal disease are harmful to the health of the whole body

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Article Feng Shuling “Ming Pao”

(Hong Kong News) Improper treatment of periodontal disease not only damages oral health, but also leads to gum atrophy and loose teeth, affecting appearance and chewing; oral bacteria are more likely to travel through the blood and affect other parts of the body, increasing the risk of heart disease and respiratory diseases. , and even risk of premature birth.

There is no evidence in the literature that periodontal disease causes cancer

There are rumors that periodontal disease can cause cancer. Dentist Wang Caisheng pointed out that there is no literature to confirm that periodontal disease can cause cancer. However, periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, which can be transmitted from blood vessels to different parts of the body, especially places that require blood supply. Treating periodontal disease will reduce other complications, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In addition, periodontal disease will also increase the risk of pregnancy. Therefore, it is ideal for young women to see a dentist to check for periodontal disease before pregnancy.

Dentist Leung Chu-hang also pointed out that studies have found that periodontal disease is associated with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, premature birth, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. As for the relationship with cancer, the current research is only some observations on cancer patients, and there is not enough statistical data to prove that periodontal disease is one of the risk factors for cancer.

Food residues turn into dental plaque

Most patients with periodontal disease are 35 years old or above. Wang Caisheng pointed out that if teenagers have not developed good toothbrushing habits since childhood, they are prone to periodontal disease as they grow older.

“The cause of periodontal disease is related to poor brushing methods, not cleaning the teeth well, food residues remain in an environment of 37°C, and bacteria in the oral cavity will decompose them into dental plaque.

If the dental plaque is not effectively removed, tartar will gradually form. “

Liang Zhuheng pointed out that there are more than 500 kinds of bacteria in the oral cavity, and some bacteria can affect periodontal health. “Dental plaque forms calculus on the edges of teeth and gums, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. The immune system fights bacteria, and periodontal disease is the inflammatory response of the immune system to fight bacteria. Simply put, it is a game between oral bacteria and the immune system.

The more calculus builds up, the more bacteria there are, the more the immune system responds, leading to the destruction of the periodontal tissue. “

He points out that there are other factors that can affect the severity of periodontal disease, including genetic disease, diabetes, smoking, and some medications that can cause gum growth or swelling, as well as uneven fillings and occlusal trauma.

Decreased quality of life for periodontal patients

Diagnosing periodontal disease, Wang Caisheng pointed out that dentists will use a blunt probe to measure the depth of periodontal pockets near the gums, and take X-rays to understand the condition of the gums before providing appropriate treatment for the patient.

Mild periodontal disease called gingivitis is a condition in which the gums appear red, swollen and bleeding, accompanied by bad breath. Liang Zhuheng said that cleaning up the calculus at this stage, with the correct brushing method and the use of dental floss and interdental brushes, the problem can be solved; if gingivitis is not treated properly, it will gradually deteriorate into periodontitis.

“At this time, bacteria grow towards the root of the tooth and the gum bone, destroying the periodontal tissue, and shrinking the gums and gum bone.”

Periodontitis destroys the periodontal tissue. Liang Zhuheng said that due to the shrinkage of the gums, the teeth become longer, and a “black triangle” appears between the teeth and the gums, that is, small holes appear due to the shrinkage of the gums. In addition, because the roots of the teeth are exposed and there is no enamel protection, the teeth are sensitive and painful.

If the situation is more serious, the teeth may become loose, chewing is weak, and even the teeth may be thrown out. At this stage, even if the patient receives treatment to cure the periodontal disease, the condition is irreversible.

Periodontal disease not only affects oral hygiene, but also affects physical and mental health.

He pointed out that loose teeth affect eating and hinder nutrient absorption. But the gum shrinks, and the teeth become disproportionately elongated; or the front teeth loosen, forming whistle teeth; or the front teeth fall off, and the patient’s speech leaks; all of the above affect the appearance. “Studies have found that the quality of life of periodontal patients has dropped significantly, which affects their psychological quality.”

Periodontitis requires root scaling

To treat periodontal disease, the first thing to do is to clean up the tartar. He pointed out that there are two main methods of tooth cleaning. “Ordinary tooth cleaning does not require the use of anesthetics. It can treat gingivitis by targeting tartar within 1mm above the gums and below the gums.”

But when it develops to periodontitis, it is necessary to consider root scaling. “It is divided into two types: non-surgical and surgical, and anesthesia is required. The non-surgical method is to extend the tool to the bottom of the gum for cleaning; but in some cases, non-surgical treatment If the effect is not good, surgery will be considered. Use a small operation to cut the gum, expose the tooth root and clean it, and then suture the gum.”

Wang Caisheng pointed out that many patients complained that cleaning their teeth was hard and painful because there was more tartar.

“If the patient washes his teeth once every 3 to 6 months,

Calculus accumulation is less, the position is shallower,

It is not difficult to wash away the calculus.

The patient is uncomfortable for a short time.

But only once in 1 to 2 years to check the teeth,

Calculus accumulates more, and scaling takes more time. “

Many people were afraid to go to the dentist due to the COVID-19 outbreak earlier;

A few years apart, almost all of the patients who came to the clinic had periodontal disease to varying degrees.

It is recommended that you check it out as soon as possible.

Gum swelling and pain mistaken for heat, most patients delay treatment

The gums are swollen and painful. Many people immediately think of the “heat” and drink a cup of herbal tea to relieve it.

Dentist Wang Caisheng pointed out that many patients mistake periodontal disease for “hot air”, thus delaying treatment.

In addition, some parents think that children’s baby teeth will be replaced, so they neglect to teach their children to take care of their teeth. Wang Caisheng emphasized that children should be taught to develop good and correct dental habits from an early age. Some people mistakenly think that gargling or using mouthwash can clean the mouth. “This concept is absolutely wrong. Mouthwash cannot replace brushing teeth; auxiliary tools such as dental floss and interdental brushes are even more necessary, especially for people aged 35 or above.”

Teeth cleaning every 6 months

The most basic way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush your teeth effectively every day and use different tools to prevent the formation and accumulation of dental plaque. However, many people ignore the invisible places when brushing their teeth, such as the back teeth or the inside of the front teeth. Wang pointed out that there is more tartar accumulation in these places, and periodontal disease often occurs in these places.

Brush your tongue to prevent bad breath

He reminded that patients should have regular dental checkups, and dentists will provide appropriate treatment and care plans based on the position of the patient’s teeth, hand dexterity, comprehension, etc. Liang Zhuheng pointed out that depending on the speed of calculus formation, it is recommended to wash the teeth every 6 to 12 months.

The correct method of brushing teeth is very important, he said, the American Dental Association recommends the modified Bass Method to effectively remove dental plaque.

1.Put the toothbrush horizontally, with the bristles facing the junction of the teeth and gums, forming a 45-degree angle with the teeth.

2.Teeth are divided into 3 regions: lateral, medial, and occlusal.

3.Starting from the largest toothbrush on the outer surface, every 2 teeth constitute a group.

4.Brush back and forth very lightly 8 to 10 times in each group, from one side to the other; then brush the inner surface, and finally the occlusal surface.

On the inside of the front teeth, the position is narrow, and the toothbrush head is relatively large, making it difficult to align the position. Liang suggested that the toothbrush should be straightened and cleaned up and down.

5.Take the time to brush your tongue to prevent bad breath.

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