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ONLINE RESEARCH ARTICLES:
ABSTRACT:
The Association of Periodontal Disease, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Published in British Journal of Diabetes & Vascular Disease 2008 8: 187-8 by Roger Gadsby
The link between periodontal disease and several systemic diseases is growing rapidly. Periodontal disease is caused by specific bacteria from the biofilm within the periodontal pocket. There are two potential pathways this can lead to systemic problems. One is via passage of the periodontal pathogens and their byproducts into the ulcerated epithelium into circulation. The other is via the passage of locally produced inflammatory mediators from the pocket into the systemic circulation.
ABSTRACT:
Periodontal Disease and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes
Published in Diabetes Care -Jan. 2005, Vol. 28, No. 1 Pages 27-32
Inflammation associated with periodontal disease may play a central role in the pathogenesis of Cardio Vascular Disease. As with other chronic infections, chronic periodontal disease is associated with systemic changes in blood and blood-forming organs, which may result in activation of markers of inflammation and acute-phase proteins such as C-reactive protein. The results showed that Periodontal disease is a strong predictor of mortality from IHD and diabetic nephropathy in Pima Indians with type 2 diabetes. The effect of periodontal disease is in addition to the effects of traditional risk factors for these diseases. Whether prevention or treatment of periodontal disease can reduce the death rate from either disease, however, remains to be determined.
ABSTRACT:
The Interactions between Physicians and Dentists in Managing the Care of Patients with Diabetes
Published in The Journal of the American Dental Association Oct., 2008, JADA, Vol. 139
Diabetes Mellitus can result in xerostomia which can increase a person’s risk for developing dental caries, periodontal diseases and other oral conditions, including ulcers that are slow to heal. A simple blood test- HbA1c will give the doctor a good idea of a person’s ability to control blood glucose levels. Levels below 6% are considered normal. The physicians and the dentists must work together closely to help a person control their levels and minimize pontential damage through coordinating their treatment plans and focusing on keeping each other current on the patients conditions.
