People in their 20s are facing a new social life such as university admission. However, they need to be careful because their changed, new lifestyle while adapting to the new environment can not only reduce their body immunity but also be fatal to their oral health. Periodontal disease is one of the common chronic diseases, which is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. Generally, periodontal disease is thought to be a disease that occurs in older people, but the number of young people in their 20s who suffer from periodontal disease has increased significantly recently. Periodontal disease, which occurs in people in their 20s, progresses rapidly and bone loss occurs quickly, so progress and treatment results are poor. In particular, radical periodontal disease, which usually develops in people in their 20s, progresses four to five times faster than chronic periodontal disease, which can lead to the collapse of most of their gums within two years. Amazingly, periodontal disease is closely related to our lifestyle habits.
1. Dental care habitsStudies have found many periodontal diseases occuring in people with no experience in scaling. Scaling is a procedure to prevent periodontal disease by removing plaque attached to teeth, and all adults aged 19 or older who are covered by health insurance can receive scaling insurance benefit once a year. Scaling is the most effective way to remove tartar and plaque, which are the very beginning of periodontal disease, so it is recommended that you receive scaling once or twice a year regularly.
2. Brushing habitsPatients with periodontal disease often have wrong brushing habits. When brushing your teeth, make sure to focus on between the teeth, and between the teeth and the gums, not on the surface of your teeth. Also, your toothbrush should be replaced every one to three months, but immediately after a cold or illness. The size of the toothbrush head is also important. It is proper to choose a toothbrush head that covers two and a half of your teeth. Too hard ones can cause tooth wear. It is also important not to put water on toothpaste. It is wrong common sense that it is well brushed when bubbles well.
3. Food habitsStudies have shown that more periodontal diseases have been found in people that prefer sweets and soft drinks. Fiber-rich foods are good for dental health. In the process of chewing, fiber removes the plaque on the surface of the teeth. Vitamin C is also effective in preventing periodontal disease, as it excels in healing wounds and regenerating tissues.
4. Drinking and smokingAlcohol undermines the body’s immune system and makes gum inflammation worse. Smoking is also a risk factor that increases the incidence and degree of gum inflammation. Studies have found that compared to non-smokers, smokers are four times more likely to develop periodontal disease on average. Avoiding drinking and smoking are vital for preventing periodontal disease.
5. Obesity In a younger population, overall and abdominal obesity are associated with an increased prevalence of periodontal disease, while underweight (BMI < 18.5) is associated with decreased prevalence. Obesity could be a potential risk factor for periodontal disease, especially among younger individuals. Healthy nutrition and adequate physical activity are additional factors to prevent or halt the rate of progression of periodontal disease.
6. StressSome negative life events and psychological factors may contribute to an increased susceptibility to periodontal disease. According to the studies, 57.1% found a positive outcome between psychosocial factors/stress and periodontal disease. When stressed, saliva is not secreted smoothly in the mouth, and when it gets dried, bacterial growth becomes active, resulting in periodontal disease. Therefore, you should find your own way to cope with stress to minimize it.
Periodontal disease is fatal, affecting overall health as well as teeth. The Dongguk Post recommends Donggukians to be mindful of daily lifestyle habits in order not to suffer from periodontal disease!
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References1. The Relationship Between Periodontal Disease, Life Style and Obesity. Korean J Health Promot Dis Prev Vol. 4, No. 3, 20042. Nishida M, Grossi SG, Dujford RG, Ho AW, Trevisan M, Genco RJ. Dietary Vitamin C and the Risk for Periodontal Disease. J Periodontol 2000;71:1215-23.3. Tomar SL, Asma S. Smoking Attributable Periodontitis in the United States: Findings from NHANES III. J Periodopnol 2000;71:743-514. Al Zahrani MS, Bissada NF, Borawski EA. Obesity and periodontal disease in young, middle aged, and older adults. J Periodontol 2003;74:610-55. A systematic review of stress and psychological factors as possible risk factors for periodontal disease. J Periodontol. 2007 Aug;78(8):1491-504