JOGJAKARTA (KU) - The prevalence of gingivitis in the province of Yogyakarta Special Region is quite high. This disease tops the rank of dental and oral diseases, along with caries cases. Nevertheless, public awareness to do regular dental check up is still relatively low. They will see the dentist after the condition has worsened. . "The dent may not be directly restored or even has to be removed," said Deputy Director of Medical Services of Dental and Oral Hospital of Prof. Soedomo, drg. Ahmad Syaify, Sp.Perio (K) in his office, Thursday (8/7).
According to Syaify, from 2,569 patients coming to the Hospital for free dental check up and care last week, there were more patients requiring dental cleaning than tooth extraction. The figure of dental filling is 34 percent, followed by calculus and gingivitis (30 percent), tooth extraction (28 percent), while the remaining is preventive treatment.
Interestingly, this lecturer said that not a few patients wanted dental cleaning only despite indications of other required treatment. "Their reason is generally aesthetic. However, there are patients who are worried that their gums are damaged by tartar," he said.
The most frequent risk caused by tartar is gingivitis. Gum becomes red, shiny, swollen, and bleeds easily. If it is not treated properly, it will lead to inflamed dental supporting tissue or periodontitis. Syaify also reminded the public to be alert of gingivitis and the inflammation. "Do not underestimate it because it can affect heart, lungs, joints, pregnancy, and others," he said.
Furthermore, Syaify added that periodintitis will also aggravate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Gingivitis will increase insulin resistance so that blood sugar levels deteriorates. Conversely, patients with diabetes have greater risk to experience severe gingivitis.