Nashville Diabetes Dentist

When Physicians and Dentists Talk

Not long ago, my physician wife was discussing gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD. When I mentioned that I have seen many patients with extensive tooth decay due to GERD, she was surprised. It made sense, but she did not realize that the acidic stomach contents could enter the mouth unnoticed to cause decay.

Physicians and dentists have plenty to talk about these days. Physicians’ organizations and insurance companies distribute brochures to patients, white papers to physicians, and informational packets to dentists enumerating the man ways dental health influences physical health. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s insurance even offers the “Enhanced Dental Benefit” program for people with diabetes, and heart disease, and for pregnant women. Dentists and physicians understand that oral health is likely to impact on any medical condition, and many medical conditions and their treatments may affect oral health.

One of the most common ways that medical and dental issues interact is in the side effects of many medications. Over 400 prescription and over the counter medications cause xerostomia or dry mouth. Dry mouth is much more likely to cause rampant tooth decay. The lack of saliva opens the door to opportunistic infections, such as yeast infection, also known as thrush. Dry mouth can make dentures slip and uncomfortable to wear.

Bisphosphonates (Boneva, Zometa, Fosamax, and Actonel) are used to slow the loss of bone in osteoporosis. Unfortunately, a side effect of these drugs can be osteonecrosis (bone death) when you have teeth extracted, or root canal procedures performed. Other causes of osteonecrosis would include diabetes, radiation treatment to the head and neck, and chemotherapy.

Diabetics have difficulty regulating blood sugar. Infection throws off the balance that diabetics achieve with diet and medication. Gum disease is an infection that may affect a surface area the size of the palm of a man’s hand. Many studies show this relationship.

Gum disease may be a factor in the development of coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis. C-Reactive protein is a marker for inflammation, atherosclerosis and periodontal disease. Worsening periodontal disease raises the level of C-Reactive protein. Be aware of this, your physician may not be thinking of this fact!

Research shows that there may be a link between periodontal disease and pregnancy. Dentists are reluctant to treat pregnant women who suffer from gum disease, so it is important for women who are planning a pregnancy to have a thorough dental examination prior to becoming pregnant- if possible.

Medicine and dentistry are closely related. We always ask for the name and phone number of your physician. Increasingly, physicians refer their patients for dental care. If you have any concerns about how your dental health affects your physical health, please ask.

Not All Dentists Are the Same

No Matter What You Have Heard…

A report published in The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice stated: “The dental profession is SEVERELY LACKING in this (diabetes care) knowledge base at a time when the disease is nearing epidemic proportions.” If you are diabetic, YOU NEED a dentist thoroughly knowledgeable about YOUR special needs.

Together, we can make an important and significant difference for you. You can take responsibility for your health and your life. Take advantage of our FREE EXAM offer. You’ll be glad you did, it will include any x-rays
needed and a thorough dental exam at no charge to you. Call us today at 1800 FIX MY TEETH

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