Dr. Charlene Reid

YOUR DENTIST AND YOU

Recently Our Lucaya and Bahama Health both had health fairs. It was a pleasure to be invited to both. Normally health seminars forget that dentistry is an important part of overaall health. Many patients we see on a day to day basis have diabetes. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among Bahamian adults and is also frequently linked to the control of diabetes.

Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place. It has also been linked to many diseases including heart disease, premature births in babies, low birth weight in infants and even strokes. Believe it or not, periodontal disease is almost as common a problem as the common cold.

Studies show that people with insufficient blood sugar control seem to develop gum disease more frequently and more severely than people who have good management over their diabetes.

There are two major stages of periodontal disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. People with diabetes tend to develop gum disease more frequently than others. However, if it is diagnosed in the early stage (gingivitis), it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage (periodontitis) may follow which includes bone loss and is irreversible.

Why are persons with diabetes more likely to develop gum disease?

* Diabetes reduces blood circulation, which can also make the gum tissues more susceptible to infections.

* Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, which increases the probability of the gums becoming infected.

* Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar.

* This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.

* Poor oral hygiene is a major factor in gum disease for everyone, but it is even more so for a person with diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

* Red and swollen gums.

* Gums that tend to bleed easily.

* Gums separating from the teeth.

* Loose teeth.

* Frequent bad breath.

* Change in the way your teeth fit together.

* Change in the way partials or dentures fit.

You may be reading this article and notice that you may have some of the symptoms. Please contact your dentist. Remember that this disease is as common as the common cold.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine if you are at risk.

1. Have you seen a dentist in the last two years?

2. Do you currently have any of the following health conditions? (i.e., heart disease, osteoporosis, high stress, or diabetes).

3. Have you ever been told that you have gum problems, gum infection or gum inflammation?

4. Have you had any adult teeth extracted?

5. Do your gums ever bleed?

6. Have your gums receded, or do your teeth look longer?

7. Are your teeth loose?

If you've answered yes to more that one of these questions you may be at risk. Gum disease can begin and progress without obvious symptoms, which is a situation similar to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

An examination of your gums and jawbones is the only accurate way to determine if you have gum disease. This includes measuring the depth of the gum pockets and using x-rays to determine the bone level.

Dr. Charlene Reid is a graduate of the University of Havana's dental faculty. She works at the Grand Bahama Health Services Dental department and in private practice at Easy Dental Care located in Pioneers Professional Plaza. If you have any questions, she can be contacted at email: drcharlen-ereid@aol.com or at 352-7844.