Periodontal Disease (periodontitis) results in loss of the bone in the jaw that supports the teeth and gums.
Researchers at the University of Florida, College of Dentistry recently concluded that Diabetics have more periodontal disease than non-diabetics.
The University studies found that controlled diabetics lose 2.
2 times more bone than non-diabetics, while uncontrolled diabetics can lose over 11 times more bone than non-diabetics! With uncontrolled diabetes the bone supporting the teeth can virtually melt away within a few short months.
Additionally, the presence of periodontitis makes diabetes harder to control, so it is vital to manage both diseases in order to improve health.
Diagnosed diabetics know that they need to monitor their blood sugar readings several times a day.
They do this with finger sticks and special monitors that give a static picture of what the level is at any single moment in time.
However, to get an overall picture of how well the diabetes is being controlled, an A1c blood test is necessary.
The A1c measurements give an estimated average of blood glucose over a 3-month period rather than at the specific time that a stick is done.
Both types of monitoring are important for successful control.
Diabetes is considered controlled when the A1c is 7 or less.
In the UF study, researchers found that by simply getting periodontal disease under control, with no changes in medication or diet, a decrease of the A1c scores was achieved in participating diabetic patients.
In other words, controlling periodontal disease results in better control of diabetes.
In order to successfully control periodontitis, all of the factors that contribute to inflammation will also need to be addressed.
Factors leading to inflammation include - plaque, calculus, smoking, stress, clenching/grinding, immune problems, etc.
The following steps should be taken in a diabetic to control periodontal disease - Dietary changes to exclude sugary foods.
Medication to decrease blood sugar.
Regular monitoring of blood glucose several times a day.
(Maintain levels in normal range.
) Regular monitoring of average blood sugar using the A1c.
(Maintain level under 7.
) Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) of diseased teeth.
Use of local antibiotic gels.
Use of systemic antibiotics.
Follow-up periodontal maintenance every 3 months.
Excellent oral hygiene (brushing and flossing after every meal.
) Where appropriate: Eliminate smoking.
Decrease stress.
Use Bite Guards to protect from clenching and grinding.
Get tested and treated for any other inflammatory or immune-related diseases.
Diabetes can be controlled so the patient can continue to have a high quality of life.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease is one very vital aspect of this equation that must not be overlooked.
by Edilia Glenski, DMD, FAGD
Researchers at the University of Florida, College of Dentistry recently concluded that Diabetics have more periodontal disease than non-diabetics.
The University studies found that controlled diabetics lose 2.
2 times more bone than non-diabetics, while uncontrolled diabetics can lose over 11 times more bone than non-diabetics! With uncontrolled diabetes the bone supporting the teeth can virtually melt away within a few short months.
Additionally, the presence of periodontitis makes diabetes harder to control, so it is vital to manage both diseases in order to improve health.
Diagnosed diabetics know that they need to monitor their blood sugar readings several times a day.
They do this with finger sticks and special monitors that give a static picture of what the level is at any single moment in time.
However, to get an overall picture of how well the diabetes is being controlled, an A1c blood test is necessary.
The A1c measurements give an estimated average of blood glucose over a 3-month period rather than at the specific time that a stick is done.
Both types of monitoring are important for successful control.
Diabetes is considered controlled when the A1c is 7 or less.
In the UF study, researchers found that by simply getting periodontal disease under control, with no changes in medication or diet, a decrease of the A1c scores was achieved in participating diabetic patients.
In other words, controlling periodontal disease results in better control of diabetes.
In order to successfully control periodontitis, all of the factors that contribute to inflammation will also need to be addressed.
Factors leading to inflammation include - plaque, calculus, smoking, stress, clenching/grinding, immune problems, etc.
The following steps should be taken in a diabetic to control periodontal disease - Dietary changes to exclude sugary foods.
Medication to decrease blood sugar.
Regular monitoring of blood glucose several times a day.
(Maintain levels in normal range.
) Regular monitoring of average blood sugar using the A1c.
(Maintain level under 7.
) Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) of diseased teeth.
Use of local antibiotic gels.
Use of systemic antibiotics.
Follow-up periodontal maintenance every 3 months.
Excellent oral hygiene (brushing and flossing after every meal.
) Where appropriate: Eliminate smoking.
Decrease stress.
Use Bite Guards to protect from clenching and grinding.
Get tested and treated for any other inflammatory or immune-related diseases.
Diabetes can be controlled so the patient can continue to have a high quality of life.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease is one very vital aspect of this equation that must not be overlooked.
by Edilia Glenski, DMD, FAGD