Diabetes Linked to Periodontal Disease
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have recently concluded that gum disease "is an independent predictor of incident diabetes." According to Ryan T. Demmer "These data add a new twist to the association and suggest periodontal disease may be there before diabetes."

ST. LOUIS, MO, November 22, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have recently concluded that gum disease (or periodontal disease) "is an independent predictor of incident diabetes." Gum disease (also know as periodontal disease, gingivitis and periodontitis) has long been linked to diabetes. Previous studies have suggested that the relationship between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways, that gum disease is either an indicator to diabetes or a complication of diabetes.

This study, published online in April 2008, tracked 9,296 men and women without diabetes over a twenty year period and found that those with significant periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes as those without periodontal disease. According to Ryan T. Demmer, the lead author of the study, "These data add a new twist to the association [between periodontal disease and diabetes] and suggest that periodontal disease may be there before diabetes."

Consequently successful treatment of gum disease may prevent the development and severity of diabetes. Whether or not gum disease causes diabetes or diabetes causes gum disease, the treatment of gum infections is essential. Clearly those with gum disease, especially those with a family history of diabetes, should be aggressive in treating their infection in order to suspend the possible onset of diabetes.

Once an individual is diagnosed with gum disease (periodontitis or gingivitis) there are several treatment options available. The most common is frequent intensive cleaning of the teeth above and below the gum line, an invasive practice that often requires a local anesthetic. Severe cases may call for surgery requiring the diseased gum tissue to be cut away and then replaced with grafts from the roof of the mouth. Both procedures can be painful and understandably unpopular with patients, who often leave their gum disease untreated in fear of the pain.

A newer procedure called Perio Protect is both effective and non-invasive. It uses an FDA-cleared Perio Tray to deliver and maintain medication below the gum line to kill the bacteria causing the disease. Patients are fitted with the customized trays by their dentist and wear them at home. The trays fit comfortably but firmly over the teeth and gums and have a special seal that keeps the medication below the gum line long enough to kill the oral bacteria associated with diabetes and other systemic diseases.

Perio Protect treatment has been clinically shown to eradicate 99.98% of the periopathogens that cause gum disease. Patients describe the treatment as comfortable and also notice fresher breath once the pathogenic bacteria are under control.

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or with diabetes, ask your dentist or periodontist about Perio Protect or visit perioprotect.com for more information.

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Candias Cravens
Perio Protect
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