DIABETES ELEVATES LEVELS OF SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION....

Systemic inflammation is believed to play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Evidence points to an increased cytokine response in type 2 diabetes, especially the pro-inflammatory proteins/cytokines (i.e. IL-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) may play an important role in insulin resistance (1). Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the microorganisms responsible for this infection, is able to invade endothelial cells and is a potent signal for monocyte and macrophage activation.Once established in the diabetic host, chronic periodontal infections complicate diabetes control and increases the occurrence and severity of microvascular and macrovascular complications (2). The medical literature supports the idea that treatment of chronic oral infections is essential in people with diabetes. Antimicrobial therapy significantly reduced the number of microorganisms in periodontal pockets. The results indicate that anti-infectious treatment is effective in improving metabolic control in diabetics, possibly through reduced serum TNF-α and improved insulin resistance (3).Physicians managing diabetic conditions in their patients should consider assessment of oral infection status to be fundamental for appropriate treatment decisions.


1- Iwamoto Y, Nishimura F., The Effect of Antimicrobial Periodontal Treatment on Circulating Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Glycated Hemoglobin Level in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. J Periodontol 2001;72:774-778.2- Grossi SG. Treatment of Periodontal Disease and Control of Diabetes: An Assessment of the Evidence and Need for Future Research. Annals of Periodontology 2001, Vol. 6, No. 1, Pages 138-145.3- Ibid, Iwamoto

CUSTOMIZE YOUR DENTAL TREATMENT PLAN...

Establishing a personalized plan should include the compilation of a variety of steps. By having the necessary photographs, xrays, medical history and periodontal data your dentist and a trained team can formulate a dental plan. However... those components are only half of the equation.Your dental desires also need to be met when creating a dental plan. What do you see as your dental needs? Are you happy with the colour of your teeth, the shape or length? Do you have missing teeth or old dated restorations?Thanks to makeover programs on TV, dental clients have an increased understanding of the possibilities for stained, broken or missing teeth. And while crisis treatment must be part of a customized plan, the aesthetic desires should also be addressed.
Clients want to create the smile that they have always wanted. Be active in your dental treatment plan - explore your options with a cosmetically trained dentist!

WOMAN NEED TO TAKE CARE OF TEETH...

Health needs for women are unique. During specific times in life extra care is required; when you mature and change, like puberty or menopause, menstruation or pregnancy. Did you know that your oral health needs also change at these times? Even though women tend to take better care of their oral health than men do, women's oral health is not markedly better than men's. Hormonal fluctuations through-out a woman's life can affect many tissues, including gum (periodontal) tissue. Periodontal disease means "inflammation around the teeth." Symptoms are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. They include:

*Bad breath that won't go away;
*Red or swollen gums;
*Tender or bleeding gums;
*Painful chewing;
*Loose or sensitive teeth.

The good news is that the disease is treated by:

* Regular visits with your dental team at least twice a year;
* Following a good at-home oral hygiene regimen, including regular brushing and flossing;
* Deep cleaning, medications and CO2 laser therapy by a trained dental professional.

These and a healthy lifestyle will go a long way towards keeping your mouth healthy and protecting your oral health at each stage of your life.