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Dentistry and the Diabetic Patient
Thursday, August 19th, 2010Ongoing research indicates that there is a connection between diabetes and gum disease. Since diabetes affects 23.6 million people in the United States the connection is very important in successfully treating gum disease.
Diabetes is a group of chronic diseases resulting from defects in insulin production, action, or both. It is characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). High blood sugar interferes with normal metabolism and eventually tissue healing and health. Diabetics whose disease is controlled either by diet or medication can expect reasonable healing and tissue response in treatment of gum disease.
Uncontrolled diabetics may develop diminished salivary flow leading to xerostomia (dry mouth). They may also develop improper response to infections and inflammation of gum tissues. These conditions often lead to poor response to gum treaments and require more agressive treatment.
Some dental patients do not know that they have diabetes. This can lead to disappointing treatment results for gum disease. Diabetes Screening Tests are important for:
>Every new dental patient with a familiy history of diabetes
>Annually for all patients over the age of 60
>All existing patients during health history and risk assessment
updates and thereafter every 5 years unless over the age of 60
At St. Louis Hills Dental Group we will continue to keep current with changes and advancements in the treatment of diabetes and gum disease.
For more information call St. Louis Hills Dental Group at 314-644-0440 or leave us a message on this website.
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YOUR MOUTH IS TALKING. ARE YOU LISTENING?
Sunday, August 15th, 2010The Missouri Dental Association (MDA) has started a new public education campaign with the theme “YOUR MOUTH IS TALKING. ARE YOU LISTENING?” Many Missourians know what to do about good dental health, but they aren’t necessarily doing it.
80% of Missouri adults know they should have two checkups per year.
58% are doing it.
Only 52% know that gum disease is linked to heart disease
Only 50% know that oral health is important in diabetes management
Only 44% know that dental problems can cause pre-term births
Only 21% know that dental problems can cause low birth weight babies
The MDA program will include these and many other issues in messages to better inform Missourians about good dental health. Watch for information in local television, radio, print, and online. We also, through our membership in the Missouri Dental Association, have pamphlets, posters, and videos available for our patients.
We at St. Louis Hills Dental Group are happy to talk to anyone about questions or concerns on dental issues. As you read this you are already on our website “www.stlouishillsdental.com“. Information can also be found on the MDA site “www.modental.org“. Please call 314-644-0440 if you need further help. (more…)
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