Periodontal disease or “gum disease” is often associated with diabetes. There is a two edged sword with patients who have diabetes and periodontitis: both make each other worse. It is known that diabetes may make a person have a difficult time healing from infections. If a diabetic patient begins having gingivitis and early stages of periodontitis, their body’s immune system may not be able to heal in a proper way. The gum disease may get worse and cause major damage to their mouth. On the other edge of the sword is the impact on diabetes that gum disease plays. Periodontal infections that are not treated may make it more difficult for someone’s blood sugar levels to be controlled. Periodontitis is often a chronic disease that floods the body’s blood system with toxins from the bacteria involved in the infection. This presence of infection could make it very difficult to keep a proper blood-glucose balance in diabetic patients.

It is highly recommended to see your dentist for regular exams so that we can check for any signs and symptoms of gum disease. Before the fight against diabetes begins it must first be diagnosed. Seeing your dentist could be a first step toward a diagnosis of diabetes.

For more information about diabetes visit these sites:
American Diabetes Association
The American Dental Association

What  is the best way to fight this fight effectively? You should first know that This Dentist Loves Candy, so you will not see any candy refunds going on at our office, no wood chippers in the parking lot, or candy bonfires occurring here.   We believe that the best weapon against candy overload is good parent involvement and boundaries set with your kiddos. Below are several suggestions the American Dental Association has published to better educate the public on candy consumption.

1. Consume Halloween candy and other sugary foods with meals.
   Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.
2. Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time.
   Besides how often you snack, the length of time food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to prolonged acid attack, increasing the risk for tooth decay.
3. Avoid sticky candies that cling to your teeth.
   The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay.
4. Drink more water.
   Consuming optimally fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.
5. Maintain a healthy diet and make sure the meals you eat are nutritious.
   Your body is like a complex machine. The foods you choose as fuel and how often you “fill up” affect your general health and that of your teeth and gums.
6. Avoid beverages with added sugar such as soda, sports drinks or flavored waters.
   When teeth come in frequent contact with beverages that contain sugar, the risk of tooth decay is increased.
7. Chew gum that has the ADA Seal.
   Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals has been shown to reduce tooth decay, because increased saliva flow helps wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by dental plaque bacteria.
8. Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
   Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
9. Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
   Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
10. Visit an ADA-member dentist for more information on maintaining your oral health….. That’s us!  Happy Halloween from Bohannan Dentistry

There are certain risk factors that predispose people to having a higher incidence of oral cancer.  These include regular use of tobacco products and alcohol abuse.  The combination of the two habits increases one’s probability of developing oral cancer significantly.  During the time of a regular exam in our office, we will look for any signs of tissue irregularity or swelling in our patient’s mouths.

Symptoms or signs of oral cancer may be a red or white ulcer like sore that is not healing.  There may also be a bump that forms and cause pain.  Early detection is one of the biggest factors that help people beat oral cancer.  We strongly recommend routine dental exams for many reasons. 

The oral cancer screening is a great way we can combat the mortality rate of oral cancer in this country.  Our office is dedicated to your oral health as well as your overall health – that’s why we check.

Please see the following resources for more information on oral cancer:

http://www.ada.org/3016.aspx?currentTab=1

http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/topics/cancer.htm

It is for these reasons that I take great pleasure in announcing that our office utilizes digital radiography when taking dental X-rays. This is a computerized X-ray system that replaces standard film and its processing. This advantages to our patients are many:

Substantial Reduction in Radiation – Computerized X-rays utilize sensors rather than film; these sensors require less radiation to yield an image.

A Comfortable Sensor – The DEXIS system uses a patented sensor with rounded, comfortable corners that make the process of taking X-rays easier, more efficient and far more comfortable, even for gaggers and children.

Instant Developing – You will be amazed! As soon as the X-ray is taken, it appears immediately on the computer monitor. This results in less chair-time and more rapid treatment. You will be in and out of the dental chair in less time than it took in the past, something I am sure you will appreciate!

Enhanced Diagnosis – Digital X-rays, like most other forms of computerized information, provide enhancements by using sophisticated tools during the examination and diagnosis process.

Increased Communication and Understanding – Due to the enlarged and enhanced view of the X-ray images, you will, for the first time, actually be able to see the condition of your own mouth. You will be able to easily visualize and understand the diagnosis and proposed treatment plan so that you can better participate in your own dental health.

As you can see, digital radiography has truly become an exciting addition to the Bohannan Dentistry office. Our staff is well-trained, and now looks forward to providing you with the latest in dental technology.