Why Diabetics Need Regular Oral Exams
95 percent of adults in the United States, that have periodontal disease could also have Diabetes. Periodontal disease is characterized by formation of periodontal pockets, gum recession and bone loss. Left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loosening and ultimately to tooth loss. A large number of Americans neglect their oral health, and according to one popular dentist mokena il residents good oral health can help you maintain total body health.
Understanding Periodontitis And The Need For Better Control
Periodontal disease is characterized by formation of periodontal pockets, gum recession and bone loss. If neglected or not properly treated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loosening and ultimately to tooth loss. The main triggers are bacteria in plaque. Whether people have an increased risk of periodontal disease, in addition to the oral care habits is also due to hereditary preconditions or unfavorable living conditions. Even smoking or general conditions such as diabetes mellitus can promote the disease.
Dentist point out, periodontal disease is not to be underestimated. Diabetes patients had a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, in fact, three times higher compared to non-diabetics. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have been shown to be risk factors for periodontitis. An important role in this context is a blood sugar adjustment: If the diabetes patient is well adjusted, he has no increased risk, whereas with poorer blood sugar levels, the risk of jawbone and tooth loss increases.
Blood Sugar Control Is Crucial
Incidentally, in the case of already existing periodontal disease, the success of the treatment also depends on the correct glycemic setting. The good news: Well-adjusted diabetics respond equally well to periodontitis treatment as non-diabetics. Also, a good adjustment of the blood sugar level ensures the long-term success of the periodontal therapy. Conversely, aggressive treatment of periodontitis may have a beneficial effect on managing glycemic levels of diabetes patients. Studies show that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease or kidney failure and even increased mortality.
Collaborating With Family Doctor And Dental Professionals
Experts say optimal treatment requires close cooperation between the treating family doctor and the dentist as well as continued cooperation with the patient. Every diabetic should be referred to the dentist, as well as vice versa, and the dental office could be a screening site for diabetes. The dental community also says patients with diabetes should have consultations for routine periodontal disease, informed about the options for prevention and treatment, and reminded of their annual dental check-up.
With their increased periodontal disease risk, diabetics must be particularly informed about the importance of daily home-based oral hygiene as well as about the necessary lifelong care by their dentist. In addition to the daily brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste, the regular use of dental floss or inter-dental brushes is a must for diabetic dental care.
It’s really a myth that brushing and flossing your teeth every morning and night is sufficient enough for good oral health. A good all-around oral hygiene regimen consists of many other steps, thus one of the most important is routine oral checkups, which can impact your overall health.