Periodontal Disease and Diabetes – What You Need To Know (Part 1)
The relationship between diabetes and gum disease (periodontitis) is bi-directional. This means that not only are diabetic patients more prone to periodontitis, but periodontitis can also make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar level. In the United States, it has been shown that diabetic patients are up to 4.2 times more likely to develop periodontitis than those without diabetes.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontal disease, more commonly called gum disease, is a chronic (long-standing) bacterial infection of the gums. It is caused by plaque, which is a stickly, colourless or slightly yellow layer that accumulates on teeth. In the early stage of the gum disease called gingivitis, the bacteria in plaque produces toxins (poisons) that leads to red and swollen gums. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, the toxins destroy the bone supporting the teeth. Although there is little pain in the early stages of periodontitis, gum swellings, pain and loosening of teeth may develop later.
How will I know if I have gum disease?
The following are some signs of gum disease:
- Red and bleeding gums
- Swollen and receding gums
- Bad breath
- Spaces appearing between teeth
- Loosening and shifting of teeth
- Vague itchiness or ache in the gums
How does having diabetes affect my gums?
In diabetic patients, the white blood cells (which protect against infection) are defective. The amount of collagen necessary for healthy gums and good healing capacity are also reduced. This is worse in poorly-controlled diabetics. Hence, poorly-controlled diabetics have a poor healing capacity and an increased risk to periodontitis. Periodontitis is also more severe in diabetics with more advanced diabetic complications and in those who have had diabetes for a longer time.
Well-controlled diabetics have a lesser risk to periodontitis compared to poorly-controlled diabetics.
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Hi broreichedlic
Thank you for your interest in teeth whitening systems.
Generally they can be broadly divided into 2 categories :
1 Home bleaching
For this method, the patient is usually instructed to apply a bleaching gel into a custom-made tray that fits over the teeth that are to be bleached. This tray is fabricated to fit the size and shape of your jaws by your dentist. Depending on the concentration of the bleaching agent used and the frequency of application, the process will usually take 2-4 weeks for maximum effects.
However, success in using a home bleaching kit is totally dependent on patient compliance.
Other types of home bleaching kits include whitening strips and paint on gels which contain milder bleaching agents and is therefore, available over-the-counter for sale in pharmacies/supermarkets. Although these kits are generally safe to be used without the supervision of a dentist, the active agents may be too mild to be effective.
2 In-operatory bleaching
This method of bleaching is carried out in the dental office and is targeted at patients who do not have the time or patience for home bleaching; who may have a strong gag reflex and not be able to tolerate the bleaching tray; or the taste of the bleaching agent.
Stronger bleaching agents and/or light activation are generally used in the clinic to hasten the bleaching process. The treatment usually involves 1-2 treatment sessions, each lasting about 60-90mins. Patients should be cautioned that this method simply speeds up the whitening process but may not be necessarily affect the outcome and will generally leads to more post-treatment sensitivity.
Dr Adeline Wong
The Oral Care Centre
http://www.theoralcarecentre.com
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Hi guys
Can I get some advice on teeth whitening systems??
I would be very appreciative if you all could give any help.