Teething Problems: Going Dental

Ninety per cent of the UAE’s population suffers from some form of oral problem ranging from tooth decay to periodontal (gum) disease, according to a senior health official. It’s a daunting figure considering findings of global studies that oral problems can adversely affect the rest of the body.

"The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body and, therefore, there is an interrelation between periodontal diseases to systemic health problems like diabetes, respiratory illnesses, pregnancy complications and heart problems," says Dr Tariq Khoory, Director of Dental Centre at the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS).

The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body. Dr Tariq Khoory

While the link between periodontal diseases and diabetes is still being established, he says there is sufficient evidence to prove that periodontal diseases can affect the heart and also cause pregnancy complications.

"Gum disease from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis causes infection and inflammation that contains bacteria which can be transported to other parts of the body," says Dr Nassir Malek, assistant director of Dental Centre, DOHMS.

"The bacteria from the mouth moves through the blood stream and affects other parts of the body like the heart," says Dr Khoory, adding that this can clog arteries and damage the valves, a probability that is higher in cases where people already have a heart problem.

Explaining how periodontal diseases can cause pregnancy complications, Dr Shereen Milgan, Periodontist, Welcare Hospital, says.

"During pregnancy, changing hormone levels make the gums more susceptible to bleeding which may cause periodontal disease like mild gingivitis. The bacterial content from such infections can affect the growth of the baby which causes pregnancy complications such as premature babies."

Although gum bleeding during pregnancy makes it difficult for women to take care of their oral health, they should not neglect it and wait until delivery to address the issue, says Dr Milgan and advises women to regularly visit the dentist during pregnancy.

Dental hygiene

• Periodontal disease mainly affects adults above 25 years of age and is more common among patients above 40
• According to 2005 Ministry of Health statistics, the DMFT count (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) of the UAE’s population stands at 8 on a scale of 1-10. This is a high count indicating a bad situation
• In Scandinavian countries, the count is as low as 1-2
• According to a study, 18 per cent of all preterm birth rates in the US may be attributed to gum disease