Periodontal Disease and Obesity

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Of the 20.8 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes, nearly one-third are unaware that they have the disease.1 Recent research has suggested that periodontitis is often associated with diabetes and might be considered one of the chronic complications of the disease. A recent study consisting of over 200 subjects examined the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. The results of the study indicate that subjects with diabetes had a greater level of periodontitis than subjects who did not have the disease.

Important factors to consider in assessing the periodontal status of and formulating treatment plans for patients with diabetes include their degree of metabolic control, the duration of their disease, the presence of other long-term complications of diabetes, the presence of concurrent risk factors and their general level of well-being.

Emphasis should be placed on the reduction of the bacteria and elimination of the biofilm, both above and below the gumline. This can be accomplished with traditional scaling and root planing in addition to excellent home care. Treatment should focus on the prevention of periodontal disease and oral inflammation, which is essential in controlling the oral complications associated with diabetes. And, because we know that bacterial challenge is a risk factor for gingivitis among even healthy, well-controlled diabetic patients, patients should be encouraged to floss regularly and brush twice daily with a toothpaste that offers anti-bacterial protection.

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Of the 20.8 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes, nearly one-third are unaware that they have the disease.1 Recent research has suggested that periodontitis is often associated with diabetes and might be considered one of the chronic complications of the disease. A recent study consisting of over 200 subjects examined the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. The results of the study indicate that subjects with diabetes had a greater level of periodontitis than subjects who did not have the disease.

Important factors to consider in assessing the periodontal status of and formulating treatment plans for patients with diabetes include their degree of metabolic control, the duration of their disease, the presence of other long-term complications of diabetes, the presence of concurrent risk factors and their general level of well-being.

Emphasis should be placed on the reduction of the bacteria and elimination of the biofilm, both above and below the gumline. This can be accomplished with traditional scaling and root planing in addition to excellent home care. Treatment should focus on the prevention of periodontal disease and oral inflammation, which is essential in controlling the oral complications associated with diabetes. And, because we know that bacterial challenge is a risk factor for gingivitis among even healthy, well-controlled diabetic patients, patients should be encouraged to floss regularly and brush twice daily with a toothpaste that offers anti-bacterial protection.

Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and/or blood vessels

Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and/or blood vessels. More than 50 million Americans experience cardiovascular problems and cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death and disability in the United States. By the time heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite advanced. Therefore, prevention through the modification of risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise and not smoking is key.

Recent research indicates that periodontitis may be associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. One theory is that the inflammatory proteins and the bacteria in the periodontal tissue enter the blood stream and cause various effects on the cardiovascular system. A recent study1 examined the presence of bacteria known to cause periodontitis and the thickening of the blood vessel wall commonly seen in heart disease. After examining samples from more than 650 subjects, the investigators concluded that an increased level of blood vessel thickening was associated with the presence of the same bacteria found in dental plaque known to cause periodontitis.

Many aspects of your health should be considered when assessing your periodontal status and developing comprehensive treatment plans. For those at risk for developing or those with preexisting cardiovascular disease, critical factors to consider include the severity of the disease; the duration of your disease; the presence of other medical conditions, such as diabetes, that may affect the cardiovascular disease; and the presence of concurrent risk factors for periodontal diseases. In addition, the dentist may communicate with your physician to determine the level of care, treatment for the condition, and your general well-being.

Reducing bacteria and eliminating biofilm, both above and below the gumline, are integral to oral and systemic health. This can be accomplished with traditional scaling and root planing in addition to excellent home care. Oral hygiene instructions are an important part of the treatment plan for all patients, particularly for high-risk patients, like those with cardiovascular disease. Treatment should focus on the prevention of periodontal disease and oral inflammation, which is essential in controlling the oral complications associated with cardiovascular disease. And because we know that bacterial challenge is a risk factor for gingivitis among even healthy patients, patients should be encouraged to floss regularly and brush twice daily with a toothpaste that offers antibacterial protection.

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

There are three stages of gum disease:
• Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.
• Periodontitis: at this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
• Advanced Periodontitis: in this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.

How do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease can occur at any age, but it is most common among adults. If detected in its early stages, gum disease can be reversed so see your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms:
• Gums that are red, puffy or swollen, or tender
• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded
• Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
• Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

How is Gum Disease Treated?
• The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed with proper brushing and flossing. Good oral health will help keep plaque from building up.
• A professional cleaning by your dentist or hygienist is the only way to remove plaque that has built up and hardened into tartar. Your dentist or hygienist will clean or "scale" your teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gumline. If your condition is more severe, a root planing procedure may be performed. Root planing helps to smooth irregularities on the roots of the teeth making it more difficult for plaque to deposit there.

By scheduling regular checkups, early stage gum disease can be treated before it leads to a much more serious condition. If your condition is more advanced, treatment in the dental office will be required.

What is Gingivitis? Signs and Symptoms

What is Gingivitis? Signs and Symptoms

Gingivitis ? an inflammation of the gums

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis ? an inflammation of the gums ? is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque - the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums.

If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become periodontitis and cause permanent damage to your teeth and jaw.

How do I Know if I Have Gingivitis?

Classic signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Another sign of gum disease is gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, giving your teeth an elongated appearance. Gum disease can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums, where plaque and food debris collect. Some people may experience recurring bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth, even if the disease is not advanced.

How can I Prevent Gingivitis?

Good oral hygiene is essential. Professional cleanings are also extremely important because once plaque has hardened and built up, or become tartar, only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it.

You can help stop gingivitis before it develops by:
• Proper brushing and flossing to remove plaque and debris and control tartar buildup
• Eating right to ensure proper nutrition for your jawbone and teeth
• Avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
• Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist