Posts Tagged ‘treatment of periodontal disease’
Oral Health Tips

Diabetes, if not controlled properly, can lead to periodontal diseases (gum) in young people and adults. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bone that hold teeth in place.
Diabetes and periodontal diseases:
Due to changes in blood vessels caused by diabetes, the thickened blood vessels can impair the efficiency of nutrient flow and waste removal from body tissues. This impaired blood flow can weaken the gums and bones, making them more susceptible to infection.
In addition, if diabetes is poorly controlled, high glucose levels in mouth fluids will encourage the growth of bacteria that can cause gum disease.
A third factor, smoking damages the oral health even in people without diabetes. However, a person who smokes and has diabetes is much more likely to develop gum disease than someone without diabetes. (Smokers with diabetes over age 45 are 20 percent more likely to develop severe gum disease, a person without these risk factors.)
Along with poor oral hygiene, diabetes can lead to gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease, or periodontitis, a severe disease of the gums.
Treatment of periodontal disease:
Specific treatment for periodontal disease will be determined by your dentist based on:
* Your age, overall health and medical history.
* How advanced is the disease.
* Your tolerance for specific medications or therapies.
* Expectations for the course of the disease.
* Your opinion or preference.
Treatment may include any or a combination of the following:
* Elimination of the plate.
Deep cleaning can help remove plaque and infected tissue in the early stages of the disease, while smoothing the damaged root surfaces of teeth. Then, the gums can be reattached to the teeth.
* Medications.
* Surgery.
When the disease is advanced, the infected areas under the gums will be cleaned, and the tissues will be reformed or replaced. Types of surgery include:
* Reduced bag.
* Procedure for regeneration.
* Soft tissue graft.
* Enlarged crown.
* Dental Implants.
Diabetes and other oral problems:
Diabetes can also cause other oral problems, such as the following:
* Thrush.
Thrush is a fungal infection in the mouth often occurs in people with diabetes because high levels of sugar in the saliva (fungus thrives on glucose).
* Dry mouth.
It is often a symptom of undetected diabetes, dry mouth means that there is not enough saliva in the mouth to be kept moist. Saliva is needed to help digest food and prevent infections and tooth decay by controlling bacteria and fungi. Dry mouth can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing and swallowing food, it also can impede speech. It can also cause mouth infections and tooth decay.
Although each individual may experience symptoms differently, symptoms of dry mouth may include:
* Dry mouth and sticky.
* Dry lips.
* Burning sensation in the mouth.
* Language tough.
* Mouth sores or infections.
Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
The treatment of dry mouth depends on what causes the condition. Dry mouth can be caused by medications, diseases, treatments for cancer and nerve damage. Some tips to prevent dry mouth symptoms include:
* Drink sips of water or fluids without sugar.
* Avoid caffeine.
* Drink fluids during meals.
* Avoid spicy or salty foods.
* Avoid alcohol and snuff.
* Use a humidifier at night.
* Chewing gum or sugar-free confetti.
Prevent Periodontal Disease
Prevention and diagnosis of periodontal disease
A proper brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help prevent periodontal disease.
A professional cleaning every three to six months, performed by a dentist or a dental expert will remove plaque and tartar on hard to reach areas, and consequently are susceptible to periodontal disease.
During a regular dental checkup, the dentist or hygienist expert inspect the gums and the space between the tooth and gum to rule out periodontal disease. If the signs of the disease has progressed to a certain point, the dentist advised the patient to visit a periodontist – a dentist who specializes in the treatment of periodontal disease.