The Importance of Scaling at Sinsa Station: Could Delaying Gum Treatment Lead to Cancer and Dementia?

Hello.

I am Ha Hyeon, the director of The Star Dental Clinic in Gangnam.

A short while ago, I appeared on MBC's A Pleasant Day and discussed the case of a senior patient under the topic:

“Neglecting your teeth can lead to cancer and dementia.”

After the broadcast, many people asked whether it was really okay to postpone scaling and gum treatment, so I would like to organize some of the questions and situations we frequently encounter in the clinic in this column.

Screenshot from MBC's A Pleasant Day: “Saving 10,000 won, only to face financial ruin in old age?! Neglect can lead to cancer and dementia?”

Gum disease?

It does not end with a problem in the mouth.

Scaling and gum treatment at The Star Dental Clinic in Gangnam

Many people dismiss symptoms such as bleeding or swelling of the gums as insignificant.

However, the bacteria and inflammatory substances that cause periodontitis can travel through the blood vessels in the gums and spread throughout the body.

Growing research on the relationship between periodontal disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia

In fact, numerous studies have consistently reported an association between chronic periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease and worsening diabetes. Research examining the relationship with dementia is also ongoing, as bacteria that cause periodontitis have been found in brain tissue.

Research investigating the relationship between periodontitis and certain cancers is also underway.

Source: Google News screenshot

Although not all causal relationships have been clearly established, it is clear that “problems in the mouth are ultimately not unrelated to overall health.”

While you wait,

the bone supporting your gums is quietly deteriorating

Scaling and gum treatment at The Star Dental Clinic in Gangnam

“Extraction is truly the last option we recommend as dentists.” — Interview screenshot from the broadcast

In the early stages, periodontal disease may cause only swollen and bleeding gums, but if left untreated, the bone supporting the teeth gradually breaks down.

The problem is that this process can progress without pain.

Screenshot from MBC's A Pleasant Day: “Saving 10,000 won, only to face financial ruin in old age?! Neglect can lead to cancer and dementia?”

Many people visit the dentist only after their teeth begin to loosen. By that point, the condition has usually progressed to a stage requiring major treatment, such as a gum-bone graft or gum reconstruction.

To dentists like us, extraction is truly the last option we recommend.

The most affordable and reliable prevention:

regular scaling

Scaling and gum treatment at The Star Dental Clinic in Gangnam

Screenshot from MBC's A Pleasant Day: “Saving 10,000 won, only to face financial ruin in old age?! Neglect can lead to cancer and dementia?”

Scaling removes tartar and bacterial plaque accumulated on the surfaces of the teeth and between the teeth and gums, eliminating the underlying causes of inflammation. It is the most basic yet reliable method of prevention.

In South Korea, National Health Insurance coverage is available once a year, so you can receive it regularly without a significant financial burden.

Singer Jang Mi-hwa receiving treatment at The Star Dental Clinic

If you notice small signs such as bleeding gums, worsening bad breath, or sensitivity to cold water, please do not ignore them. We recommend receiving an accurate gum examination at a nearby dental clinic.

One scaling appointment today is the most reliable investment for preventing extensive treatment in the future.

I have seen far too many cases in the clinic where people tried to save 10,000 or 20,000 won, only to lose their health and face much larger medical bills.

The Star Dental Clinic will continue to share information on protecting the health of your gums and teeth, as well as your overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our clinic at any time.

This has been Ha Hyeon,

director of The Star Dental Clinic.

Thank you.