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New Year, New Beginnings - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 7 January 2026 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Keep your smile in shape


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 treated, especially if diagnosed early. Based at Harley Street Dental Studio in London, Crystal Marruganti, an award-winning dentist and international 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 tenderness in the gums, as well as a receding 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. These 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.


FEATURED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS FORBES 30 UNDER 30 LIST AS ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PROFESSIONALS IN EUROPE’S HEALTHCARE SECTOR


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 porphyromonas gingivalis, irritates the gums, triggering inflammation, redness, swelling and soreness. In her recent work, Marruganti points out that while plaque is the main culprit, other lifestyle-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 significant role in its occurrence, and gum disease can run in families. These insights underline that gum health isn’t just about brushing — it’s 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 affecting diabetes control and complications. The 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-causing bacteria get in. The 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 concentrations 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 and rheumatoid arthritis. But it doesn’t end here. Treating


gum disease has been shown to help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes, lower blood pressure in those with hypertension and even ease skin flare-ups in patients with certain skin conditions. The growing body of research reminds us that a healthier mouth can mean a healthier body. Regular gum care isn’t just about saving your teeth — it can help protect your heart, your metabolism and even your skin.


HOW TO TREAT GUM DISEASE Treating gum disease isn’t a one- size-fits-all approach — it follows a carefully customised, step-by- step plan. According to the latest


A PICTURE SUMMARISING THE STAGES OF GUM DISEASE, FROM BLEEDING GUMS TO MOBILE TEETH AND POTENTIAL TOOTH LOSS


THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN GUM DISEASE (PERIODONTITIS) AND OTHER SYSTEMIC DISEASES


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