Periodontitis Could Be a Sign of Diabetes

A new study published this month in the BJM Journal, under BJM Open Diabetes Research and Care shows possible links between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes.

Can you imagine how strange it would be for your dentist to tell you that you might have diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes)? A study published early this week makes a strong argument that gum disease may be a warning sign for type 2 diabetes. “According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for diagnosis, there was a significant over-representation of subjects with suspected diabetes (23% and 14%) and pre-diabetes (47% and 46%) in the severe periodontitis group and mild/moderate periodontitis groups, respectively…” (1).

This is not the first study to show this, but instead confirms even further how important oral health really is. Taking care of your teeth and mouth helps prevent other life-changing diseases, and helps doctors identify early signs of other illnesses. The recent study found that 1 in 5 people that suffered from periodontitis unknowingly had type 2 diabetes.

Periodontitis is a gum infection that attacks the tissue of the gum and eats away at the bone that support your teeth. Symptoms of periodontitis include bloody, swollen, or tender gums, bad breath, and/or loose teeth. If gone untreated, periodontitis can lead to loss of teeth and an increased danger of stroke or heart attack. Periodontitis is easily prevented by brushing at least two times a day and flossing regularly. Your family dentists in Valencia can help put you on track to prevent periodontitis. We can also help identify yellow flags within your overall health.

Of course, there are plenty of other health concerns that can be identified by looking at your oral health. We’ve previously written about how your dental health can prevent heart diseases as well as Alzheimer’s.

So when should you ask your dentist about periodontitis? Make sure to schedule your regular cleanings and if your family dentist in Valencia sees any warning signs we will let you know.

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

In the Dentist's Tool Bag

Dentistry technology continues to expand and evolve into great technology that makes your visits to your family dentist in Valencia easier, shorter, and even more pleasant. Even with advancing technology, some of the most basic tools continue to be highly effective and common practice. Let’s reviews some of the basic tools you might encounter at your next scheduled cleaning.

Some of the most basic tools include: the mirror, the pliers, the saliva ejector, and the probe. These instruments are mostly used to help us navigate your mouth and maintain your comfort, whether you’re there for a root canal or a cleaning. The mirror and probe allow your dentist to see into the crevices of your mouth and help identify what type of care you might need. The saliva ejector and pliers are usually used to extract extra saliva, blood, or debris that may have accumulated during your care.

For the most basic cleaning, the primary tool used is an ultrasonic instrument that uses small motions to do a basic cleanse of larger tarter pieces. This tool may also use small bursts of water to help loosen any debris. Depending on the dental care you need, you may have an x-ray. This will help your friendly family dentist identify issues such as tooth decay, cysts, impacted teeth, and cavities. The x-ray may be able to catch cautionary problems before they become harder to treat.

You may have experienced a blue light with an orange screen over it. These are called dental curing lights. These are used to complete the secure processing of fillings and other resin based materials your care may have required.  

No matter what you are visiting us for, you will probably see at least one of the tools from the above list. Don’t know what something is? Don’t be afraid to ask us! Your family dentist in Valencia is always happy to answer any questions you may have!   

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

To Floss or Not to Floss, is that the question?

If you’ve ever visited your Valencia Dentist, you’ve more than likely been encouraged to floss. The American Dental Association continues to support the act of flossing as “an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.”

However, earlier this year the Associated Press asked the department of Health and Human Services and Agriculture to show scientific evidence of the benefit of habitual flossing. After research of over 25 published studies, they could not find evidence that supports flossing. In the new dietary guidelines that will be released later this year, the recommendation to floss will be removed.

Everyone’s personal hygiene regimen is specific to them, and your friendly Valencia Dentist can help identify what is best for you, but in general - flossing is a good practice and habit to have. That said, similar to brushing too often, or too hard, flossing incorrectly can have a negative effect to your gums, teeth, and dental work.

Cavities start from built up bacteria, mostly between the teeth, which flossing can help prevent. The interim chair of the Department of Periodontics at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Andrew Sullivan says “if people floss once a day, they’re doing a tremendous amount of good.”

There is no denying the benefits we have seen when patients start flossing. Come in for a checkup today and ask your Valencia dentist how flossing could benefit you!

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Expiration Date on Dental Work

Did you know there is an expiration date on your dental work?

That’s one of the many reasons you should have routine maintenance check-ups with your friendly Valencia dentist. During your exam your Valencia dentist will check for any weaknesses in past dental work and determine if any need to be replaced. Maintaining great dental hygiene is the first step you can take to keeping your dental work in good shape.

Dental work including fillings (dental restoration), crowns, and bridges last quite a few years but may need to be replaced due to drinking, eating, or grinding. Tooth decay can occur around the filling leaving a dangerous gap between the filling and the tooth. That gap is an open door for bacteria and food particles. An X-ray may be required in order to determine if there has been any decay under the previous dental work. If there has been decay under a crown, the crown may need to be replaced.

Fillings, if done correctly and properly taken care of, should last over 10 years. Crowns and bridges should last anywhere between 10-15 years. Each person has unique dental hygiene and the longevity of your dental work will vary. Your Valencia dentist will be able to determine the best lifecycle of your dental work.

If you think you have a broken or worn down implant or previous dental work, call your Valencia dentist and make an appointment today! Waiting to get it repaired could cause damage to not only the implant but to your teeth.

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com