Your Health Concerns

Diabetes

Because diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected. Recent studies show that periodontal disease is frequently linked to the control of diabetes. Research suggests that treating periodontal disease can affect a patient's glycemic control.

Patients whose diabetes is well-controlled can usually be treated similarly to non-diabetic patients. Nevertheless, poorly controlled diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease making the treatment of chronic periodontal disease necessary for managing diabetes. Therefore, for patients with diabetes, we recommend regular cleanings (the frequency of which should be determined by the dentist) to help reduce the negative effects of diabetes on your overall health.

Pregnancy

Good oral hygiene during pregnancy is important for the heath of both mother and baby. During pregnancy, hormone levels are considerably higher than normal. Gingivitis is common during pregnancy and may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush. This sensitivity in response to plaque and is caused by an increased level of progesterone in your system. We recommend that our patients continue to get regular cleanings during pregnancy to help prevent the negative effects of pregnancy induced gingivitis.

To help maintain healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy we recommend that patients thoroughly brush their teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing will also help protect against gum disease. When selecting oral care products, choose products with the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance.

Preventative Antibiotics

If you are a patient with heart disease, a special heart condition, or if you've had a joint replaced, taking good care of your teeth and gums is necessary for your overall health. Some patients with pre-existing medical conditions require pre-medication (antibiotics).

Bleeding sometimes occurs during routine dental work. As a result, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and work its way to your heart. This presents a risk for some patients with cardiac abnormalities because the bacteria may cause bacterial endocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart valves or tissues. Antibiotics reduce this risk by killing the bacteria in your bloodstream.

For patients with heart murmurs which do not require pre-medication, we do need a note from your physician stating that medication is not required. It is also important to let the dentist know if any of the following conditions apply to you:

• Congenital heart defect
• Heart surgery within past six months
• Pacemaker
• Systemic pulmonary shunt
• Artificial heart valve
• History of heart murmur (mitral valve prolapse)
• Previous bacterial endocarditis
• Acquired valvular dysfunction
• Immune suppressing drugs
• History of rheumatic fever
• Vascular surgery (replaced artery) within past six months

Oral/Head/Neck/Throat Cancer

Patients who currently have or have had oral cancer require special care. These patients often suffer from a conditions call Xerostomia, which is essentially a reduction in salivary flow.

Saliva helps keep the mouth clean and it help supply teeth with the minerals needed for the ongoing remineralization of teeth. When one or both of these processes is disrupted, the decay rate increases along vulnerable areas such as the gum line and existing restorations.

You can help prevent the negative effects of xerostomia by brushing with sodium fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, using a fluoride mouth rinse daily, and drinking plenty of water. In addition, we recommend you try some of the following:

• Brushing with a high-concentration sodium fluoride gel or paste (usually by prescription)
• Chew sugarless gum to help stimulate salivary flow
• In moderate to severe cases, fluoride delivery trays can be made for regular home usage
• Regular dental cleanings

Suppressed Immune System

Patients with suppressed immune systems resulting for pre-existing medical conditions/treatment such as cancer, implantation, arthritis, or HIV should notify the dentist prior to treatment. In some cases, pre-medication is required prior to dental work to prevent immune system complications.