🎙️ Bite-Sized Dental | Episode: Your Gums are the Foundation for Healthy Teeth
Hosts: Dr Bing Lee & Glenn Hartas
Transcript
Glenn Hartas:
You’re listening Way FM 105.3 — your positive alternative and today we’re shining a spotlight on something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves—your gums! Turns out, they play a massive role in keeping your teeth where they belong. Joining us is Dr. Bing from Innova Dental, who’s here to explain it all. Great to have you back, Dr. Bing!
Dr. Bing:
Thanks Glenn— it’s always a pleasure! Gum health is a bit of an unsung hero in dentistry, so I’m really excited to chat about it.
Glenn Hartas:
What exactly do our gums do?
Dr. Bing:
Your gums are the support system for your teeth. Think of them like the foundation of a house—if the base is unstable, the structure won’t last. Gums protect the roots of your teeth and the bone underneath. If they’re unhealthy, it can eventually lead to loose teeth, infections, or even tooth loss, even if the teeth themselves are perfectly healthy.
Glenn Hartas:
And is gum disease something that creeps up slowly?
Dr. Bing:
Absolutely. In fact, many people have early-stage gum disease, or gingivitis, and don’t even realise. It can show up as bleeding when brushing, bad breath, redness, or swelling. If it’s left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which causes permanent damage to the bone that supports your teeth.
Glenn Hartas:
Sounds serious. How common is it?
Dr. Bing:
It’s more common than people think. Studies show that over 50% of adults have some form of gum disease. The tricky part is that it’s usually painless until it’s advanced, so regular check-ups are key.
Glenn Hartas:
Let’s talk causes—what’s the main culprit?
Dr. Bing:
The big one is plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up if you’re not brushing and flossing properly. But there are other factors too, such as—smoking, stress, hormonal changes, and conditions like diabetes can all make your gums more vulnerable.
Glenn Hartas:
So if someone notices their gums bleed when they brush, what should they do?
Dr. Bing:
Please don’t ignore it—that’s often the first sign your gums are inflamed. Come see us at Innova Dental. We’ll do a gentle assessment and clean, explain what’s going on, and help you reverse it before it becomes more serious. In many cases, a few simple changes in home care and a professional clean can make a huge difference.
Glenn Hartas:
And if it’s already advanced—are there still options?
Dr. Bing:
Yes, definitely. We offer periodontal treatment, also known as scaling and root planing. We also have advanced technology like 3D imaging to track your gum and bone health over time. In some cases, we may refer you to a gum specialist for more complex care—but the goal is always to save your teeth and keep you healthy.
Glenn Hartas:
You mentioned earlier that gum disease affects more than just your mouth. Can you explain that?
Dr. Bing:
Sure—research shows a strong connection between gum health and your overall health. Gum health has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy. So caring for your gums isn’t just about your smile—it’s really about your whole body.
Glenn Hartas:
That really puts things into perspective. What’s your advice to anyone who hasn’t been to the dentist in a while?
Dr. Bing:
Start with a simple comprehensive examination. No judgment, no pressure. At Innova Dental, we take the time to explain everything clearly and gently. We can help you get back on track, no matter how long it’s been.
Glenn Hartas:
Dr. Bing, thanks again for your insight. Gums may be behind the scenes, but they’re clearly doing a lot of heavy lifting!
Dr. Bing:
They sure are! Thanks for having me, Glenn.
Glenn Hartas:
That was Dr. Bing from Innova Dental. If it’s been a while since you’ve last had a visit, or your gums are telling you something’s not right—give the team a call. They’ll take great care of you.
Tune in live every Monday and Friday on Way FM 105.3 or head to https://www.wayfm.org.au/on-air/mornings/ for more details.