"If Your Gums Hurt, You Age Faster"... 'Gum Day' Commemoration Ceremony Held

March 24 Gum Day
Established by Dongkook Pharmaceutical and the Korean Academy of Periodontology
"Gum disease lowers quality of life physically and financially"

"Periodontal disease accelerates aging and increases the risk of death. The most economical way to prepare for old age is gum care."

Ke Seung-beom, President of the Korean Academy of Periodontology, and the staff are announcing the '3·2·4 Guidelines' at the '16th Gum Day' event.
[Photo by Yeom Da-yeon]

Dongkook Pharmaceutical and the Korean Academy of Periodontology held the "16th Gum Day" event on the morning of the 21st at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, explaining the relationship between periodontal disease and aging. The event was attended by Gye Seung-beom, President of the Korean Academy of Periodontology, Song Junho, CEO of Dongkook Pharmaceutical, actor Choi Bul-am, as well as officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korean Academy of Periodontology, the Korean Association of Dental Hygienists, and Dongkook Pharmaceutical.

At the event, research results were presented showing that frailty progresses faster in patients with periodontal disease compared to those with healthy gums, emphasizing the prevention of "oral frailty" for healthy aging. Oral frailty refers to the decline in the function of the oral and facial structures due to aging. Symptoms of oral frailty include an increase in foods that cannot be chewed, slurred speech, drooling during meals, and choking. When food intake becomes difficult, major nutrient supply deteriorates, and reduced chewing stimulation leads to decreased brain cognitive function, ultimately accelerating systemic frailty.

The first presenter, Professor Kang Kyung-ri of the Department of Periodontology at Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital at Gangdong, explained that oral frailty is a warning sign of systemic frailty under the theme "Oral Frailty and Periodontal Health." She stated, "Oral frailty is a risk factor for the occurrence and worsening of systemic frailty, which can eventually lead to death," and emphasized, "For healthy aging, it is important to take measures through oral hygiene management and regular check-ups."

The second presenter, Professor Kim Chang-oh of the Department of Geriatrics at Yonsei University Severance Hospital in Sinchon, spoke on elderly pneumonia and oral health management. He said, "Pneumonia ranked 4th among causes of death in 2022, so much prevention is needed," and added, "In the elderly, poor oral hygiene increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia caused by inhaling respiratory pathogens, so oral hygiene must be maintained." He also explained that when appropriate oral care and dental treatment are combined with general treatment, the incidence of pneumonia decreases.

Next, Professor Lee Joong-seok of Yonsei University Dental Hospital emphasized the need for consistent gum care to prevent oral frailty. He said, "Gum disease lowers the quality of life in old age both physically and financially," and added, "Preventing gingivitis through oral hygiene management and regular scaling can prevent 90-93% of periodontitis cases." Professor Lee also mentioned, "Along with meticulous personal oral care, national insurance coverage expansion for scaling is necessary."

Finally, the Korean Academy of Periodontology announced the "3·2·4 Rule" for maintaining gum health in daily life (brushing teeth at least three times a day, scaling twice a year, and using interdental brushes). President Gye Seung-beom said, "Healthy gum care can contribute to reducing medical expenses in old age and extending healthy life expectancy," and added, "We will strive to make policy proposals such as insurance coverage for scaling twice a year, beyond lifestyle suggestions." The Korean Academy of Periodontology and Dongkook Pharmaceutical established March 24 as the world's first "Gum Day," symbolizing "Love your gums every 3 months," and are conducting a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about gum health.

Song Junho, CEO of Dongkook Pharmaceutical, is speaking at the '16th Gum Day' event held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 21st.

Song Junho, CEO of Dongkook Pharmaceutical, said, "Dongkook Pharmaceutical will continue to actively carry out campaign activities that promote gum disease management such as Gum Day," and added, "Just as Insadol recently received over-the-counter drug approval from the Swiss Medicines Agency and opened the door to European exports, we will continue research activities to have Korean pharmaceuticals recognized for their quality and efficacy."

Actor Choi Bul-am, the ambassador for Gum Day, also said in his congratulatory speech, "There is nothing happier than eating, and to eat well, it is important to manage gums well and keep them healthy," and added, "Since gum health is true happiness, I will do my best to let many people feel this."

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