TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gums are often overlooked in oral health care. However, various dental problems that arise later on can originate from unhealthy and undetected gums.
Dental Specialist Ines Augustina Sumbayak stated that gum disease generally progresses slowly, so many people are unaware of its early symptoms. One of the most common signs is bleeding gums while brushing teeth.
"The earliest symptom is usually bleeding gums while brushing teeth. Many people consider this condition normal, whereas in reality, it is not," said Ines during a press conference for Pepsodent Gum ExpertLab at Central Park Mall, Jakarta, on Friday, June 5, 2026.
According to Ines, this condition can be a sign of gingivitis or initial stage gum inflammation. If left untreated, the inflammation can progress to periodontitis, affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth and the surrounding bones.
Impact of Gum Problems
In later stages, gum disease can cause sensitive teeth, loose teeth, gaps between teeth, and even tooth loss." "Typically, when someone experiences loose or missing teeth, it doesn't happen suddenly. There is a preexisting gum disease process," said the dentist practicing at Audy Dental.
Ines explained that healthy gums are usually pink or pink coral, not swollen, and do not easily bleed. Conversely, inflamed gums tend to appear red, swollen, and feel uncomfortable.
Gum problems not only impact oral health. According to Ines, chronic gum infections can trigger inflammation related to various other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
"Gum problems are not a primary cause of other diseases, but can exacerbate certain conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disorders, and autoimmune diseases," she said.
(From left to right) Ka Lestari - Senior Brand and Marketing Manager of Guardian Indonesia, Dion Wiyoko - Celebrity, drg. Usman Sumantri - Chairperson of the Indonesian Dental Association, Cacih Rusmiyany - Senior Brand Manager of Pepsodent, and drg. Ines Augustina Sumbayak - Dental Specialist Periodontist from Audy Dental Clinic during a press event for Pepsodent Gumexpert Lab, in Jakarta, June 5, 2026. Tempo/Ghaeiza Kay Rasuffi
In diabetes patients, the relationship between gum disease and blood sugar levels is bidirectional. When gum infection is effectively controlled, the diabetes condition can improve. Conversely, uncontrolled diabetes can worsen gum disease.
Therefore, Ines emphasizes the importance of maintaining gum health through simple daily habits such as brushing teeth twice a day with the correct technique, using dental floss when necessary, and undergoing regular check-ups every six months. "The most important thing is not just the frequency, but also the correct teeth brushing technique. Do not brush too hard because it can actually injure the gum tissue," she said.
Gum Health as a Long-Term Investment
Actor Dion Wiyoko acknowledged that he only realized the importance of gum health after experiencing disturbances that required special treatment. For years, he focused more on dental health without understanding the role of gums as the foundation of oral health.
"I used to be someone who didn't really understand the importance of gum health. Until finally, the dentist reminded me that gum health is just as important as dental health," said the actor of the movie Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan.
Experiencing bleeding gums and inflammation made him start paying more attention to brushing teeth and overall oral health. According to Dion, maintaining dental and gum health is part of a long-term health investment, especially as one ages.
"When talking about aging gracefully, it's not just the body that needs to be maintained, but also oral health, teeth, and gums. Because when gum conditions are severe, the treatment can be much larger and more complex," he said.
On the same occasion, Senior Brand Manager Pepsodent, Cacih Rusmiany, stated that Indonesian public awareness of oral and dental health actually shows an increasingly positive trend. Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) 2018 and the Indonesia Health Survey (SKI) 2023 data indicate an increase in the number of people brushing their teeth at the appropriate times.
However, according to her, the public's attention is still more focused on dental health compared to gum health. "So far, public attention has been more on teeth. However, gums are a very important foundation for overall dental health," said Cacih.
Ghaeiza Kay Rasuffi contributed to the writing of this article.
Read: Loose Teeth in Adults Signal Serious Gum Disease
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