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Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

This website contains over 100 articles that Dr. McBride has written during the continual evolution of the Dental Wellness Center. This article, The Essence of The Dental Wellness Center, will describe the distinctness of the practice, its philosophy and its offerings that make it truly unique! It would benefit the reader to read this article first which is an all-encompassing approach to the Dental Wellness Center.  >> Click Here <<   to Read THE ESSENCE OF THE DENTAL WELLNESS CENTER before continuing to browse other articles. Enjoy!

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

by Dr. McBride | Date Published: 2017-03-20 | Download PDF small PDF icon

Like the periodontal diseases which are now classified into many different forms, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) comprises a group of disorders with the common characteristic of altered glucose tolerance or impaired lipid/carbohydrate metabolism. There are 12-14 million individuals with DM in the US, though half of those who have DM are unaware they are suffering from this condition. And while diabetics used to be classified by the types of medication and manner in which they controlled their problem, the American Diabetic Association now defines Type 1 DM (less common) and Type 2 DM (most common) based on the disease etiology. These “types” are defined by impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, and include gestational diabetes, plus others secondary to pancreatic disease, drug therapy, endocrinopathies, infections, and genetic disorders.

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What’s the relationship between DM and periodontal disease? Numerous studies have demonstrated that individuals with more advanced systemic complications from DM usually have a higher frequency of periodontal disease…and it is not because these individuals have more plaque and calculus. In study after study, those with poorly controlled DM – both Type 1 and Type 2 – have greater bone loss and more missing teeth than well-controlled individuals. Furthermore, uncontrolled diabetics were at risk for progressive periodontal problems including frequent dental infections and experienced poor healing.

The dental consequence of having DM is clear: make certain that your periodontal condition is treated and well-maintained. One reason for this is that the presence of advanced periodontal disease and dental infections may increase insulin resistance and contribute to a worsening of the diabetic state. It is possible for dental infections to become life-threatening to an uncontrolled diabetic.

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Diabetics should take heart. As their dental problems are cared for, their glycemic control improves. As their diabetic condition comes under control, their dental problems can more easily be treated. It has been established that a well-controlled diabetic experiences the same short-term responses to periodontal therapy as non-diabetic individuals. While procedures rendered to diabetic individuals should be of shorter duration and less traumatic so as not to stress their systems, well-controlled diabetics can expect to receive “normal” care for all their dental needs, including periodontal surgeries and dental implants.

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