Periodontal disease is a silent and serious infection of the gums and bone that support teeth. In time, and in some patients it is faster than in others, the bone is progressively lost. The bacteria that causes this problem not only results in loose teeth, infections, and tooth loss, bacteria can also spread throughout the body.
People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, because patients with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infection. Additionally, patients with diabetes are subject to more severe forms of infection that last longer, and are at increased risk for diabetic complications.
Several studies have shown patients that receive periodontal treatment every three months in conjunction with their diabetic treatment exhibit reductions in their HbA1c of up to 1% or more.
With every 1% reduction in HbA1c, patients reduce their risk of diabetes related deaths by 21%, heart attacks and stroke by 14%, and amputations by 43%.
The solution is simple, it involves having periodontal treatment (“cleaning”) by a Certified Hygienist every 3 months.
