[Smart Summer Living] Focusing on Raising Awareness of the Link Between Gum Disease and Systemic Diseases

Dongkook Pharmaceutical 'Oral Health Day Campaign'

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The disease with the highest number of outpatient visits last year was gingivitis and periodontal disease. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service's outpatient frequent disease statistics, 16.73 million patients visited hospitals for this disease, surpassing acute bronchitis (common cold) to take first place for the first time. This indicates that as gum disease cases increase, more people are aware of the need for gum care and are actively managing their oral health.

Gum care is important because gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects overall health. Large-scale longitudinal studies both domestically and internationally have shown that having gum disease increases the risk of systemic diseases. In particular, the risk of diabetes, diabetic complications, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, pneumonia, and rheumatoid arthritis is known to increase by anywhere from 12% to as much as 700%.

According to a survey conducted last year by Dongkook Pharmaceutical through a market research firm, the average age of onset for gum disease is 41.7 years and is steadily decreasing each year. This means it is necessary to carefully manage gum health starting in one's 40s. On the 9th, to mark Oral Health Day, Dongkook Pharmaceutical and the Korean Academy of Periodontology jointly held a campaign for this same reason.

The event aimed to raise awareness that strengthening gums is essential for maintaining health, focusing on the relationship between gum disease and systemic diseases. Chang Dong-wook, Public Relations Director of the Korean Academy of Periodontology, said, "Gums weaken with age, making gum disease more frequent," and added, "It is necessary to visit the dentist regularly and actively manage gums starting in the early 40s."

A representative from Dongkook Pharmaceutical stated, "We will actively promote the fact that consistent care is necessary for a healthy life and healthy gums in cooperation with the Academy of Periodontology, striving to improve the oral health of the public."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.