September is National Oral Health Month - How Healthy Are Your Gums? Don’t Guess, Test! - MyPressportal

20 September 2024

September is National Oral Health Month - How Healthy Are Your Gums? Don’t Guess, Test!

Submitted by: Mercia Swart

September is National Oral Health Month, making it the perfect time to highlight gum disease—one of the most critical yet often overlooked health issues.

In South Africa, gum disease ranks second only to the common cold in terms of prevalence, with an estimated 90% of South Africans experiencing it at some point. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable diseases globally, affecting approximately 3.5 billion people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Why It Matters

Research has linked gum disease to serious health issues, including Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and infertility. Better oral health is also known to improve outcomes for pregnant women, and those suffering from arthritis, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.

A Hidden Danger

Dirna Grobbelaar, Oral Hygiene Advisor for Ivohealth and a member of the Oral Hygienists Association of South Africa (OHASA), warns that most people don’t realise they have gum disease.

“Although the symptoms can be subtle, gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to other health complications,” says Grobbelaar.

Signs include redness, swelling, or bleeding gums. “Bleeding gums are never ‘normal’. While some may think it's due to using the ‘wrong’ brush or floss, in most cases, it’s a sign of gingivitis—the early form of gum disease,” Grobbelaar explains.

Gingivitis is reversible if treated early. If left untreated, it can escalate into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to bone and tooth loss. “Preventing gum disease is key, and early intervention is always better,” adds Grobbelaar.

What’s Your Risk of Gum Disease?

Some people are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, including diabetics, those with dry mouth (xerostomia), and individuals with a family history of oral issues.

“Gum disease can run in families. If your parents or siblings have been diagnosed with gum issues, you might be at higher risk,” says Grobbelaar.

“It’s important to know your family history and take extra care with your oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups can help catch early signs of gum problems.”

Prevention Strategies

Preventing gum disease involves eating a balanced diet and maintaining a thorough daily oral care routine.

“Even the best brusher can miss areas,” Grobbelaar advises. “Regular professional cleanings—ideally every six months—are vital to removing plaque and tartar.” Grobbelaar recommends EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy®, a gentle and highly effective Swiss oral hygiene treatment. Find a nearby EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy® practice here.

Treating Gum Disease at Home

If caught early, gum disease can often be managed at home. Grobbelaar suggests following a meticulous oral hygiene routine for a week if you notice any bleeding or sensitivity:

Brush twice daily for at least 2 minutes with a soft brush, like the GUM Pro Sensitive Ultra Soft, and a treatment toothpaste, such as GUM Paroex Intensive Action.
Clean between your teeth daily using floss, interdental brushes, or Soft-Picks. For those who find flossing difficult, an oral irrigator is an effective alternative. Check out this guide to interdental tools.
Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash like GUM Paroex Intensive Action to reduce plaque and soothe irritated gums.

If the sensitivity or bleeding persists after 5-7 days, it’s important to consult a dentist.

How Healthy Are Your Gums?

Since it can be hard to detect gum disease, Grobbelaar and Ivohealth have developed a quick online quiz—the #HealthyGUMCheck—to help assess gum health and offer personalised advice.

Take the #HealthyGUMCheck during National Oral Health Month for a chance to win an EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy® treatment (worth R1,600) or a #HealthyGUMEssentials kit filled with premium GUM oral care products.

You can access the #HealthyGUMCheck here.

For more guidance, explore the bleeding gums guide on the Ivohealth website. For professional advice, speak to your dentist.