According to the World Health Organization (WHO), severe gum disease affects approximately 19 percent of the world's adult population, or more than one billion people. The situation is similar in Türkiye. According to the data; Depending on age groups, the incidence of gum bleeding varies between approximately 57 percent in the young group and 63 percent to 71 percent in the adult groups. In other words, most of Türkiye's adult population lives with the problem of bleeding gums.
According to experts, the main cause of the problem is not paying enough attention to our dental hygiene. However, other habits and diseases also negatively affect tooth and gum health. Oral and Dental Health Specialist Prof. made a statement on the subject. Dr. Gönen Özcan said that there is no evidence that Turks' teeth are genetically weak and said, "The difference is the difference in habits and services. Genes affect the enamel structure and gum thickness to a small extent. But the main factors that determine caries and gum disease are sugar consumption, brushing, fluoride use, smoking and regular check-ups."
"AMONG THE MOST COMMON CHRONIC PROBLEMS"
Professor said that the main culprits in gum recession are hard brushing, tartar, smoking and teeth clenching. In his assessment to a group of journalists, Özcan said, "According to WHO, oral diseases affect 45 percent of the world's population, that is, 3.5 billion people, and cases have increased by 1 billion in the last 30 years. In an evaluation based on Global Burden of Disease data, the estimate for severe gum disease is approximately 1.09 billion people, and the possible upper limit is given as 1.38 billion. This shows that oral diseases are among the most common chronic problems."
Özcan warned, "If it bleeds while brushing your teeth, it means the gums are giving a warning," and pointed out that bleeding is always the first and most visible sign of gingivitis. Stating that the most common cause of bleeding is dental bacterial plaque and tartar accumulated on the teeth, Özcan said, "WHO states that the main risk factors of the disease are poor oral hygiene and tobacco use. Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, blood thinners, blood diseases and diabetes can also cause bleeding. A common mistake made by patients is to stop brushing because "it bleeds". This advances the inflammation. Continue gentle but regular brushing with a soft brush. If the bleeding does not subside within a week, go to the dentist."
"MOUTH, THE ENTRY DOOR TO THE BODY"
Expressing that gingivitis concerns the entire body, Özcan said, "There is a relationship network ranging from diabetes to heart disease, from premature birth to lung infection. The mouth is the entrance gate of the body. Chronic gingivitis paves the way for bacteria and inflammatory substances to mix with the blood. Therefore, it prepares the ground for a serious focal infection focus for the body. Research shows that there is a relationship between gum diseases and diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, premature birth, low birth weight and lung infections, especially in the elderly."
Stating that the enemy of teeth is not only sugar but snacking throughout the day, Özcan said, "The important thing is not what you eat, but how many times a day you eat. Every time sugar or acid enters your mouth, your teeth and gums are at risk for problems. WHO also lists high sugar consumption, along with tobacco and alcohol, among the common risk factors that feed the oral health crisis. The main enemies are sugary and sticky foods, acidic drinks, chips and flour snacks, sugary drinks in baby bottles, excessive tea and coffee." consumption,” he said.
"MUST BE BRUSHED IN THE MORNING AND EVENING"
Speaking about the precautions, Özcan said, "There are practical measures that can be taken to protect the teeth. Teeth should be brushed twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. They should be brushed with the recommended brushing methods. Brush twice a day, for two minutes, with fluoride paste and use dental floss. Quitting smoking is one of the greatest favors you can do for your gums and general health. Periodic dentist check-ups are also extremely important."
"CLOSELY RELATED TO INCOME AND EDUCATION LEVEL"
Özcan continued: "Oral health is better in places where income and education levels are high, access to a dentist is easy, and preventive services are common. A European study revealed that the probability of poor oral health of children in high-income countries is 90 percent lower than in middle-income countries. The same logic applies to a country's own regions. Studies in Türkiye also report that periodontal diseases are closely related to income and education level."
WHAT DOES THE DATA SAY?
- Turkish Dental Association, based on national research, stated that the values of caries and gum disease are very high in all segments of society between the ages of 5-65, and in EU countries, this value is close to 1 in children and young people.
- The average number of decayed, missing and filled teeth in 12-year-old children across Europe was found to be 0.8 in Western Europe and 2.87 in Eastern Europe.
- In Türkiye, according to TADSAP-2018, 64.4 percent of 5-year-old children have at least one cavity, and the toothlessness rate in the 65-74 age group is 27.4 percent.
- On a global average, WHO estimates that total tooth loss is approximately 7 percent in those aged 20 and over, and 23 percent in those aged 60 and over.
BE CAREFUL IF YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS!
The symptoms of gum diseases are as follows:
-Bleeding while brushing,
-Red and swollen gums,
-Continuous bad breath
-Receding gums
- Sensation of elongation or shaking of teeth,
-Inflammation from the gum edge.
