Researchers looked at the records of 2,923 adults, none of whom had yet been diagnosed with diabetes. The researchers collected data that could indicate that the subjects could be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, such as age, weight, and other diabetes risk factors (family history, for example). They took this information and compared the subjects with those who had been diagnosed with periodontitis, gum disease.

What was found that 62.9% of subjects who did not have periodontitis and 93.4% of those with periodontitis met guidelines set by the American Diabetes Asssociation for needing diabetic screening.

Interestingly, only 33.9% of those who were at risk and who had periodontitis had seen a dentist within the previous six months, half within the past year, and 60.4% within the past two years.

The study findings, published in the most recent issue of Journal of Public Health Dentistry, gives the medical profession another tool to help find people who may otherwise not be diagnosed. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is predicted to possible reach epidemic proportions in countries like the United States. Yet, it’s one of the most preventable diseases in most cases. Teamwork could help reduce the effects of such a serious disease.

~~~

Image: PhotoXpress.com

Post from: Blisstree

Gum Disease and Diabetes Connection

Chronic periodontitis, progressive bone loss and loosening of soft tissue surrounding the teeth, was to add to the risk of head and neck cancers, in particular, cancers in the mouth. In a study published in the most recent issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers came to this conclusion after after studying 463 patients (207 control patients).

“Although the study is comparatively small, the researchers were able to also see an association between bone loss and the risk of head and neck cancer.”

However, the researchers acknowledged that more research needs to be done into other factors, such as tobacco use (smoking and chewing).

What can you do to help improve your oral health?

According to the Canadian Dental Association, besides brushing and flossing,

How often you go for a check up depends on your oral health needs. The goal is to catch small problems early. For many people, this means a check up every six months. Your dentist may suggest that you visit more or less often depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums, problems you have that need to be checked or treated, how fast tartar builds up on your teeth, and so on.

Do you get your teeth checked often enough?

~~~~

Image: Newscom.com

Post from: Blisstree

Oral Health Connected with Head/Neck Cancer

Doctors have known for a while that there’s a connection between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and oral health and now research has put the two together, according to two separate studies presented at a medical conference in Denmark this week.

The first study found that 56% of people who had RA also had a gum condition called periodontitis . This is the inflammation of the gums. They also had fewer teeth than people without RA, more plaque and looser teeth. It’s not all bad news though. Researchers also learned that if the patients with RA received treatment with an anti-TNF therapy (such as etanercept, or Enbrel) for six months, 80% showed improvement in their mouth.

The second study looked at people who had periodontal disease and then were diagnosed with RA. This study found that non-smokers who had moderate to severe periodontitis could also be at a greater risk for developing RA.

So, back to the basics of mouth care: brush, floss and see your dentist regularly!

~~~~~

Images: Stock.xchng

Post from: Blisstree

Interesting Connection: Teeth & Arthritis

Anthropologists note that the rough diet of early humans resulted in the excessive wear of their teeth. Normal drifting of the teeth to compensate for this wear ensured that space was available for most wisdom teeth to erupt by adolescence. The modern diet, which is much softer, and the popularity of orthodontic tooth straightening procedures produce a fuller dental arch, which quite commonly doesn’t leave room for the wisdom teeth to erupt, thereby setting the stage for problems when the final four molars enter the mouth

If there isn’t enough space for the tooth to properly erupt, it can become impacted, or stuck. Not all people have impacted wisdom teeth, though. The teeth may erupt but be jammed in the back, making it hard for you to clean your back molars.

Impacted teeth can lead to serious problems, from painful crowding to infections. The wisdom teeth can also affect the teeth next to them, causing damage and pain. The result can be living with migraines, headaches, and facial pain – chronic pain that can only be treated by removing the teeth.

While it may seem tempting to leave wisdom teeth in place if they have erupted and don’t seem to be causing any problems, oral surgeons feel that most people are better off having them taken out. Again, from the website, a study undertaken by the AAOMS and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation (OMSF) strongly recommended, “be removed by the time the patient is a young adult in order to prevent future problems and to ensure optimal healing.The researchers found that older patients may be at greater risk for disease, including periodontitis, in the tissues surrounding the third molars and adjacent teeth. Periodontal infections, such as those observed in this study, may affect your general health.”

I wish I’d known that. I was always a bit smug about still having mine. My husband still has his. My 21-year-old had his out 3 years ago and my middle one may have to have hers out soon.

Wish me luck for Wednesday….

Images: Newscom

~~~~~~

Post from: Blisstree

What are wisdom teeth and why do we have them?