Diabetes and Gum Disease

Gum inflammation is so common that many people think it’s normal to see blood in the sink after they spit. In fact, inflammation is a sign of a problem. There are various things that could cause it, but the most common is a gum infection. At Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, we’re particularly concerned about the impact gum disease has on people with diabetes and we want our patients to know why.

Inflammation prevents pathogens from traveling to other parts of the body and makes cell membranes more permeable to proteins used by white blood cells. Unfortunately, inflammation is also painful and prolonged inflammation can weaken or scar tissues. People with uncontrolled blood sugar have higher rates of inflammation and more difficulty fighting off infections. There is evidence that gum disease causes the body to become worse at glucose regulation, creating a feedback cycle.

Gum disease in diabetic people is treatable, but they need to be especially committed to brushing and flossing. At regular appointments, we can provide deep cleanings to remove plaque from gum pockets before inflammation sets in. When gum disease is treated, blood sugar becomes better regulated. And if their blood sugar is well-regulated, diabetic people are no more at risk for gum disease than anyone else.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

 

Cirrhosis and Gum Disease

Oral health has many benefits for the rest of the body. At Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, we encourage all our patients to get regular cleanings. We’re particularly excited about new research showing that treatments for gum disease can also improve symptoms of cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver due to chronic inflammation. It is often the result of smoking or alcohol, both of which are also linked to gum disease. But people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are also at increased risk for periodontal disease, which prompted scientists to look for a deeper connection.

People with cirrhosis have more frequent bouts of inflammation and decreased cognitive function. Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University investigated whether these symptoms improved in patients who underwent periodontal therapy. They found that treated patients had improved cognitive function and a higher count of bacteria that fight inflammation. While it is too early to definitively say that treating gum disease improves outcomes in people with cirrhosis, we can say that people without gum infections are less likely to inhale harmful bacteria. Better oral hygiene also leaves people with less mouth discomfort and feeling better about themselves.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

Periodontal Maintenance

In its most advanced stages, gum disease can lead to gum recession, and even tooth loss.  Vista Dental wants to make sure it never gets to that point for you and your family!  When plaque builds up on a tooth, the gum starts to pull away from the tooth and form a pocket around the buildup, which only leads to more gum recession.  A scaling and root planing procedure is used to treat this buildup and prevent the later stages of gum disease.

Scaling and root planning are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure your dentist can perform to help reverse the progress of gum disease.  The procedure beings with scaling, which is the process of the dentist removing plaque from the surface of the teeth, all the way down to the gums. Root planing is the term for any minor contouring to smooth the surface of a tooth near the root.  When plaque has been removed and the tooth root has been smoothed, the gums that have pulled away will have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to as they heal

To learn more about deep periodontal cleaning and all the other treatments we offer, visit VistaDentalMH.Ca for more information. To schedule an appointment at Vista Dental, located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.

Gum Disease: Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated long enough it will advance to the next stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild infection of the gums, while periodontitis is more serious. Periodontitis begins as inflammation and gets worse over a period of time. To treat periodontitis, our doctors at Vista Dental may need to perform a deep cleaning of the gums to get rid of the condition.

In the early stages of periodontitis, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth. Once the periodontal tissue is gone, it doesn’t come back, so prevention is critical. If your oral hygiene routine is inadequate, your risk of developing periodontal disease increases. In advanced periodontitis, the gums, bones, and surrounding tissues that support the teeth are destroyed. To receive a proper diagnosis of your oral health status, visit our doctors at Vista Dental for a routine checkup.

If you have questions regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Scaling and Root Planing

At Vista Dental, we see patients experiencing every stage of gum disease.  When sticky plaque builds up on the surface of a tooth, the gums will stretch and form a pocket around the buildup.  This only leads to more gum recession.  Scaling and root planing are used to treat this buildup and prevent the later stages of gum disease.  Scaling and root planning are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure your dentist can perform to help repair gums.

The procedure begins with scaling, the process of removing plaque from the surface of your teeth all the way down to your gums. Root planing describes any minor contouring to smooth the surface of a tooth near the gums.  Once the plaque has been removed and the tooth root has been smoothed, the gums that have pulled away have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to.   Local anesthetic is used during this procedure, and your dentist may recommend completing the treatment over a series of appointments. 

To learn more about scaling, root planing, and all the services we provide, visit VistaDentalMH.Ca for more information. To schedule an appointment at Vista Dental, located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.