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Te Modern Family New Families & Health Keep your smile in shape
Promotional Content • Saturday 30th August 2025
Around a quarter of us suffer from one of the most common diseases on earth, gum disease. Gum disease can often appear without you noticing it, and left untreated can do significant damage. It has been linked with poor physical and even mental health, yet it can be easily managed and treat- ed, especially if diagnosed early. Based at Harley Street Dental Studio in London, Dr Crystal Marruganti, award-winning dentist and interna- tional lecturer, works at the forefront of this field and is the first dentist to be recognised in the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list as one of the most influential people in healthcare in Europe.
SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR Gum disease often starts quietly, with symptoms that many people dismiss or overlook. One of the earliest signs is gum bleeding — especially when brushing or flossing. You might also notice redness, swelling or tender- ness in the gums, as well as a reced- ing gumline that makes your teeth appear longer than usual. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be a clue that something’s not right. As the disease progresses, teeth may feel loose or shift slightly in your mouth, and chewing might become uncomfortable. With gum disease, the gums can recede so teeth look longer and the loss of teeth and bone from the jaw gives the face a sunken, sagging appearance. Tese symptoms are your body’s way of signalling that your gums need attention — early action can prevent you from losing your teeth later and avoid the nasty effects of gum disease.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES FOR HEALTHY GUMS Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Some of the bacteria in plaque, such as porphyro- monas gingivalis, irritates the gums, triggering inflammation, redness, swelling and soreness. In her recent work, Dr Crystal points out that while
plaque is the main culprit, other life- style-related factors can make gum disease more likely and more severe. Smoking, poor nutrition, unmanaged stress and even lack of regular sleep can all weaken the body’s ability to fight off gum infections. Her research also highlights how conditions such as diabetes and hormonal changes can increase susceptibility to the disease. Moreover, genetics also play a signif- icant role in its occurrence, and gum disease can run in families. Tese in- sights underline that gum health isn’t just about brushing — it’s closely tied to our whole-body wellbeing.
GUM HEALTH IS LINKED TO YOUR GENERAL HEALTH Gum disease is strongly related to systemic health. It can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as adversely affecing diabetes control and complications. Te first sign is often bleeding when
you brush or floss your teeth. As it progresses, pockets open up around the teeth and decay or disease-caus- ing bacteria get in. Te bloodstream in the gums is connected to the rest of the body. Bacteria can rapidly move to the heart, the brain and the rest of the body. Several studies have detected traces of porphyromonas gingivalis (bacteria present in high concentra- tions in the plaque of individuals with gum disease) in the brain tissue of people with Alzheimer’s disease, and links have also been made with heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and even certain cancers. But it doesn’t end here. Treating
gum disease has been shown to help improve blood sugar control in peo- ple with diabetes, lower blood pres- sure in those with hypertension and even ease skin flare-ups in patients with psoriasis. Te growing body of research reminds us that a healthi- er mouth can mean a healthier body. Regular gum care isn’t just about saving your teeth — it can help pro- tect your heart, your metabolism and even your skin.
DR CRYSTAL MARRUGANTI AS FEATURED IN THE FORBES 30 UNDER 30 LIST AS ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PROFESSIONALS IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR IN EUROPE
Treating gum disease has been shown to help improve blood-sugar control in people with diabetes, lower blood pressure and even ease psoriasis flare-ups”
HOW WE TREAT YOUR GUM DISEASE Treating gum disease isn’t a one-size- fits-all approach — it follows a care- fully customised, step-by-step plan. According to the latest guidelines, gum treatment starts gently and builds up only if needed, making sure you get the right care at the right time. Step one is all about getting the
basics right. You’ll be supported in improving your brushing and flossing habits at home, and you may get help
A PICTURE SUMMARISING THE STAGES OF GUM DISEASE, FROM BLEEDING GUMS TO MOBILE TEETH AND POTENTIAL TOOTH LOSS
A PICTURE SUMMARISING THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN GUM DISEASE (PERIODONTITIS) AND OTHER SYSTEMIC DISEASES LIKE DIABETES AND OBESITY. THIS RELATIONSHIP IS TRIGGERED BY SHARED LIFESTYLE-RELATED FACTORS, SUCH AS SMOKING, POOR DIET, PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AND STRESS, AMONG OTHERS
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