Periodontal Treatment Improves Metabolic Control in Diabetics

Posted on October 19th, 2009 | In Word Of Mouth

There is a connection between periodontal (gum) disease and the successful management of diabetes. This information is important to any physician working with diabetic patients.

Periodontal Treatment Improves Metabolic Control in Diabetics

Chronic oral infections complicate management of diabetes.

dentists have long observed that diabetic patients tend to have more gum infections than do non-diabetics. Research shows that in diabetics, periodontal disease is more severe and more prevalent than in non-diabetics (1). Research shows that gum disease complicates the management of diabetes, and that diabetes can worsen the management of periodontal disease. This evidence supports viewing the gum disease – diabetic relationship as bidirectional (2).

This information sends a strong signal to dentists and physicians managing diabetic patients. Medical doctors should inquire as to the dental status of their patients and should insist that these patients are receiving routine therapies to control and combat chronic oral infections. A clinical trial in 2006 compared two groups of periodontal patients, one with and one without diabetes. Both groups found improved gum health with proper perio treatment, and the diabetic patients showed improved metabolic control at 3 and 6 months after periodontal treatment (3).

Basic periodontal health care delivered by a dentist and dental hygienist, along with improved daily home care, improves the diabetic management of Type 2 diabetic patients. Dentists aware of this research and who are proactive with their patients, are insisting that patients with gum disease receive proactive medical management to control their diabetes.

1- Diabetes Monitor 2- Taylor G., Bidirectional Interrelationships Between Diabetes and Periodontal Diseases, Annals of Perio, 2001, Vol. 6, No. 1. 3- Clinical and Metabolic Changes After Conventional Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Chronic Periodontitis. Faria-Almeida R, et.al, J. of Perio. 2006.050084

Important Points:

• Gum disease increases systemic inflammation.
• Diabetics have more gum disease
• Gum disease complicates diabetic management
• Periodontal treatment lowers HbA1c levels

Dr. David Weaver
Rivergate Dental Care
133 North Creek Blvd.
Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Phone: 888.411.SEDATE
Fax: 615.851.3535

Gum Disease is Strong Predictor of Mortality in Diabetic Patients

Posted on October 19th, 2009 | In Word Of Mouth

Recent research suggests the troubling incidence of premature death in diabetics with periodontal disease. Physicians and dentists aware of this condition will insist their diabetic patients successfully manage gum disease.

Gum Disease is Strong Predictor of Mortality in Diabetic Patients

Diabetic pts with gum disease have ~700% increase in mortality!

Diabetes is a known complicating factor for gum disease. Research now shows that chronic gum infections can seriously impact the control of diabetes (1). Periodontal disease is more severe and occurs with higher frequency in diabetic patients (2). Periodontal disease contributes to increased mortality associated with diabetes. Gum infections are a strong predictor of death from cardiorenal disease in diabetics.

After adjusting for factors such as duration of diabetes, hypertension, tobacco use and other factors, scientists conclude that gum disease is strongly predictive of mortality from heart and kidney disease (3). Patients with severe periodontal disease had a 28.4 % death rate representing a 700%+ increase in death compared to diabetics without gum disease.

Diabetics with gum disease makes them twice as likely to die from heart and kidney disease (5). Gum inflammation allows harmful bacteria and cytokines to enter the bloodstream, creating systemic inflammation.

Prudent health care dictates that dentists and physicians recognize both the direct and indirect relationships of these conditions, and that every effort is made to obtain control of gum disease.

1- Soskolne WA, Klinger A, et. al., The Relationship Between Periodontal Diseases and Diabetes. Annals of Perio 2001.6.1.91. 2- www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/america/pdf/chapter23.pdf 3- Jan 2005 ADA News Release; www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle.asp?articleid= 1219 4-  Saremi A, et.al., Periodontal Disease and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetes Care, Vol 28, No.1, Jan 2005. p27-32. 5-10/03 ADA News Release, Jeffcoat M. www.ada.org/public/media/releases/0310_release07.asp

Important Points:

• Periodontal treatment lowers HbA1c levels
• Diabetics have 700% increase in mortality if they have periodontal disease.
• Diabetics with gum disease 2x likely to die from cardio/renal disease

Dr. David Weaver
Rivergate Dental Care
133 North Creek Blvd.
Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Phone: 888.411.SEDATE
Fax: 615.851.3535