We hope all of you have a wonderful & safe Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
November's Theme - Diabetes and Periodontal Disease Connection
November is National American Diabetes Month. There is a BIG connection between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease (also known as gum disease). People with Diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease and lose teeth. Like all infections, gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise and make diabetes harder to control. There are 2 stages of gum disease.
The first stage is Gingivitis. The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria around the gums are call "gingivitis". In Gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and tender. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. There is not any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
The second, and most advance stage, is Periodontitis. When Gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis". Periodontitis means "inflammation around the tooth". In Periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. If treatment can't save your teeth, they may need to be removed. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily oral hygiene at home.
The first stage is Gingivitis. The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria around the gums are call "gingivitis". In Gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and tender. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. There is not any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
The second, and most advance stage, is Periodontitis. When Gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis". Periodontitis means "inflammation around the tooth". In Periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. If treatment can't save your teeth, they may need to be removed. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily oral hygiene at home.
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