Treating Diabetic Patients with Periodontal Disease

Using the LANAP® Protocol for Periodontal Patients with Diabetes

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), diabetes affects over 9.3% of Americans. That’s 29 million people that have this disease caused by the body not producing enough or any insulin. Diabetes occurs when the body can not break down the sugar (glucose) which causes glucose levels to increase to a point where the body can not cope. If high glucose levels associated with diabetes are left untreated for too long, then serious damage can occur to multiple parts of the body. There are two types of diabetes that affect sugar or glucose differently: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas does not produce any insulin, thereby causing glucose levels to increase very quickly. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin is working correctly. This causes glucose to build up in the body causing high blood sugar. But, what does all of this have to do with periodontal disease (gum disease)?

How Does Diabetes Affect Dental Health?

Diabetes affects all parts of the human body by reducing the resistance to infections such as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums usually caused by the existence of plaque. Sometimes invisible, plaque accumulates on teeth above and below the gum line. If untreated, gum disease (resulting from gingivitis) can cause inflammation, bleeding and damage to bone tissue surrounding the teeth. Common signs of gingivitis include: red and swollen gums and bleeding while brushing your teeth. Dental health for those with diabetes can be even more important because diabetes affects teeth and gums more for diabetes sufferers, than those who do not have diabetes. If you have signs of gingivitis and you suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you should consider consulting a periodontist right away.

How Can LANAP® Help with Diabetes?

According to a survey conducted by Dentistry IQ, diabetes affects an estimated 29.1 million people living in America with 8.1 million people undiagnosed. Gum disease affects 85% of the adults in the US with most of these people undiagnosed also. The presence of gingivitis in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c levels above 7.0%) is at greater risk to end up suffering from advanced gum disease: periodontitis. Patients can experience pain while drinking or eating and even high blood sugar levels. The LANAP® laser gum surgery protocol can help greatly reduce swelling and bleeding by accurately using a precision laser to clear up the harmful bacteria with little-to-no pain. Local anesthetic and nitrous oxide analgesia are usually used during the procedure.

LANAP® is a laser assisted new attachment procedure use to treat gum disease. The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and proven to fight gum disease. The laser targets the area where the bacteria has caused gum disease, removes the diseased tissue, and helps regenerate new, healthy tissue in place of the old, diseased tissue. LANAP® laser gum surgery is approved by the FDA and has a proven track record of success. Patients with diabetes, who have had this treatment, have reported positive results like the one mentioned below.

Following the LANAP® procedure, patients reported little to no pain, little to any swelling of gums, and lower HbA1c levels. A healthy mouth can help control your diabetes. See a case study involving a diabetic patient who suffered from gum disease here.

How Can I Keep My Mouth Healthy?

Sticking to a strict routine of brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day can keep your gums and teeth healthy. Maintaining triglycerides and cholesterol levels are also very important for diabetic patients because they can also affect dental health. Along with a healthy diet and insulin control, diabetics can have a better chance of avoiding gum disease.

If your blood sugar levels are out of control, consult with both your dentist and diabetic doctor about your options. Make sure to schedule dental appointments in the morning because sugar levels are usually lower at that time and be sure to take medication as prescribed regularly. See your dentist regularly and let him or her know of any changes in medicine, HbA1c levels and or any dental concerns. Good oral hygiene is important for your mouth and body.

Contact our office today in Forest Hills, NY if you have diabetes and are concerned about your dental health by clicking here. Or simply call our office at 718.878.4878.