When we think of health, we often focus on the heart, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels. But according to dental expert Dr. Thomas Nguyen, there’s one area we frequently overlook: our gums. And for many Asian communities—Filipinos in particular—ignoring gum health could be risking far more than just a trip to the dentist.

“Gum disease is a silent disease,” Dr. Nguyen said in an interview. “You don’t feel pain, but the bacteria in your mouth can travel through the bloodstream and affect your entire body—including your brain and blood sugar levels.”

The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Gums

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, doesn’t just cause bad breath or bleeding gums. Scientific research has shown connections between gum infections and serious conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes—which disproportionately affects Filipinos and other Asian groups.

In fact, studies have found traces of the gum-specific bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. For those battling diabetes, inflamed gums can elevate blood sugar levels even further due to chronic infection.

And bleeding when you brush or floss? That’s not normal.

“Healthy gums don’t bleed, no matter how hard you brush,” Dr. Nguyen emphasized. “Bleeding is a sign of inflammation—either gingivitis or its more severe cousin, periodontitis.”

Why Asians Need to Be Extra Vigilant

Dr. Nguyen noted that many Asians, including Filipinos, may be more prone to gum disease due to thinner gums and lower bone density—two biological factors that can make gum health more fragile.

Cultural factors also play a role. “Sometimes, our parents are resistant to changing habits or seeking help,” he shared. “But bleeding gums should never be ignored. If any other part of your body were bleeding, you’d go to the doctor immediately—your gums should be no different.”

Four Essential Gum Health Tips

1. Brush and floss—every day.
   • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste designed for gum care (e.g., Colgate PerioGardSF).
   • Floss daily, even if it causes bleeding at first. Dr. Nguyen says, “It bleeds because you don’t floss. If you stick to it for two weeks, the bleeding usually stops.”
2. See your dentist twice a year.
   • Professional cleanings are essential to catch early signs of gum disease, especially if you’re high-risk due to smoking, diabetes, or stress.
3. Adopt a healthier lifestyle.
   • Smoking and stress severely weaken your immune system and worsen gum disease.
   • A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supports both gum and overall health.
4. Don’t dismiss stress.
   • Chronic stress not only impacts your immune response but also reduces your motivation to maintain good oral hygiene. Try breathing exercises, stretching, or simply winding down with tea and a book.

Final Word: Prevention Is Better Than Treatment

Dr. Nguyen’s advice is clear: “If everyone brushed twice a day, flossed daily, and saw a dentist twice a year, around 80% of the population could avoid major gum problems. Especially in our community, we have to be more proactive.”

Gum health isn’t just about your smile—it’s about your life. And in many cases, preventing bigger health issues could start with something as simple as flossing tonight.