Diabetes mellitus affects an estimated 20 million Americans, about 35 to 40 % of whom have not received a diagnosis. More than 9 % of the adult population has diabetes, and both the incidence and prevalence are increasing every year.” (Mealey, 2006, page 1) This is a scary statement. These numbers include our parents, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers. We need to be aware that this is a real threat. Many of these individuals most likely have some type of periodontal issues as well, particularly if the diabetes is uncontrolled or not yet diagnosed. The health of the mouth can play a significant role in the overall health of the body.
Periodontal Disease and Diabetes. It is of interest to note that diabetes is now more often characterized as a cardiovascular disease. It has been well documented that periodontal disease is considered as a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The connection between diabetes and periodontal disease and how each can exacerbate the other is understandable.
Control of blood glucose is significant in the prevention and management of oral health problems for diabetic patients. People with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to gum disease and are affected more often and more severely than people whose diabetes is well controlled. Proper brushing, flossing and nutrition along with regular dental visits and blood glucose control are the best preventatives against periodontal disease in the immunocompromised patient.
Studies show that periodontal disease can be considered the sixth complication of diabetes following neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and microvascular and macrovascular diseases. There is a two way street philosophy in regard to periodontal disease and diabetes. When infec...
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... or an oral one, the results are typically the same. The body’s main goal is to protect the life of the individual. In order to get rid of the offending area, the body can attack itself, resulting in tissue and bone loss and eventually tooth loss. We also have to keep in mind that diabetes affects a patient’s ability to heal, possibly making progress slower or inhibiting healing altogether.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits is an important part of diabetes care along with regular appointments with your medical health care professional. As health care providers, it is important for us to recognize signs and symptoms of disease, not only oral disease but oral manifestations of systemic disease. We can help prevent diabetes complications by encouraging people with diabetes to maintain routine dental care and consistent and proper glycemic control.
When you are practicing good dental hygiene, you will surely be in a much better oral health. The problem is that a lot of us neglect the proper taking care of our teeth and gum. This is when most oral diseases start and also the reason why the dental health category is a multi-million, if not a multi-billion, dollar industry.
Many people do not realize how important the dentist really is but the dentist is just as important as a medical doctor. Preventative dentistry is a crucial component in overall health. Preventative dentistry helps protect against things like gum disease and tooth decay. Gum disease and tooth decay can lead to oral cancer and in some circumstances heart disease.
For this evaluation of a clinical practice guideline I chose to evaluate a guideline that was published in 2012 and that addressed the use of oral medication in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (Appendix B). People who have received a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are facing a long term treatment plan. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that results from a problem with insulin in the body. T2DM is growing in prevalence and is a cause for concern. There are several co-morbidities that can be linked to poorly controlled blood sugar levels such as cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, renal failure, and a decrease in eyesight. If blood sugar levels can be maintained at a normal to near normal limits the patient has a decreased risk of experiencing these comorbidities. Because of this it is important for the healthcare practitioner to evaluate all treatment methods available and the evidence that supports the efficacy of recommending this treatment to our patients. I used the AGREE II tool in evaluation of this guideline (Appendix A).
As I started my new journey of becoming a dental hygienist, I came into the program with no background of dental. I came into this program with an open mind and willing to embrace new concepts as well as develop new skills. During my time at the Canadian Academy of Dental Hygiene (CADH), I learned that as a dental hygienist that I am committed to promoting and helping each individual achieve their optimal oral health goals. In support of my client’s goals, I may assume any or all of the roles included in the dental hygiene scope of practice. My goal throughout this program was to help my clients achieve their optimal oral health goals through education, health promotion and providing preventive and clinical therapy.
B.(Sub-point) Type-2 diabetes after a long time can affect the body’s blood vessels leading to damage to both small and big vessels just like Type 1 diabetes. (SUB-SUBPOINT) Damage to the small blood vessel leads to microvascular problems, while harm to the large vessels result in macrovascular effects (Lisa, 2016). Impaired blood vessels do not transfer blood as supposed to, which results in other complications, like vision loss, kidney damage and nerve damage. Macrovascular problems with Type 2 diabetes are a buildup of plaque, which results in a heart attack, blocked vessels in legs and a stroke (Lisa, 2016). Type 1 diabetes has the same complications as Type 2 resulting in the same effect on the important organs in the body, like the heart, nerves, vision, kidneys and both the tiny and large blood vessels ( Mayo Clinic Staff,
A healthy mouth not only facilitates nutrition of the physical body, but it also develops confidence and sensation of health. Oral conditions effect the general health and disease. Oral hygiene prevents bad breathe, gum diseases and tooth decay. Dentists can diagnose and treat oral affliction at the initial level. This help adults and children to maintain excellent dental health during their lifetime.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gingiva and alveolar bone. Periodontal disease increases in prevalence and severity as people age. Periodontal disease is precursored by gingivitis.
A good dental hygiene is very important for everybody no matter the age. A clean mouth will help us to stay more immune to infection and other risks that periodontitis can cause. Remember to take the time to brush and floss your teeth properly every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is never too early or too late to begin taking care of your
The prevention of periodontitis is straightforward for patients. The first step in prevention is to assure that the patient is brushing twice a day utilising the proper brushing technique. Patients who fear the contraction of periodontitis are not encouraged to brush too much however, as excessive brushing with poor technique can lead to other oral problems such as the reduction of the gums (gingival recession). Brushing at least twice a day help inhibit the growth of unwanted bacteria and prevents plaque, and thus tartar from forming. Patients who wish to prevent periodontitis should also floss daily. Flossing daily includes the spaces between each tooth, as well as behind the last two molars on the mandibular and maxillary arches. Flossing should get in below the gum line to prevent bacteria from congregating just below the surface. The last at home, over-the-counter treatment available for the prevention of periodontitis is the use of an antiseptic mouthwash. While proper use of mouthwash in conjunction with the other techniques can help cure gingivitis, once periodontal disease has elapsed stage 1 of periodontal disease, no amount of mouthwash or brushing can restore attachment lost in the periodontium.
Dental professionals should promote a message that a strong biologic connection exists between oral and systemic health. Therefore, having a good understanding of oral health and systemic health is beneficial and can help you protect yourself. Streptococcus mutants, the bacteria found in periodontal infection are also the bacteria found in many of the cardiovascular diseases. This establishes a strong relationship between these two conditions.
However, on the a recent visit dated 23/12/13 the patient’s gingival condition had deteriorated, presenting with an increased plaque scores of 34% and bleeding scores to 63%. Intra oral examination also showed generalised oedema and erythema throughout in the mouth in response to this increase in plaque bacteria. The presence of supra-gingival calculus on lower anterior teeth and both sites of upper buccal molars and the patients BPE now reads 212 /121, putting the patients caries risk at a ‘High’ status.
Cappelli, D. P., & Mobley, C. C. (2008). Prevention in clinical oral health care. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the bone and gum. If you are diabetic, you are at greater risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease. Furthermore, if you have diabetes and develop gum disease, it can lead to a more serious case of periodontal disease, as well as take you longer to heal. Gum
Petersen, P. E. (2009). Global policy for improvement of oral health in the 21st century–implications to oral health research of World Health Assembly 2007, World Health Organization. Community dentistry and oral epidemiology, 37(1), 1-8.
Excellent oral health includes keeping teeth healthy and looking their best (Dr.Roma M MDS – Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics KMC Hospital). This can be achieved by following the correct techniques, following a dentist’s orders, and plenty of other important rules (Edwards). Maintaining healthy teeth by following proper oral care comes with benefits for a lifetime such as a healthier mouth and prevention of oral problems.