Diabetics advised to brush more and to see dentist more often

Local dentist Dr. Tom Bunton, discussed diabetes and diseases at the group diabetic education program held Monday at the Vernon County Senior Center. He emphasized the importance of dental hygiene to the group of eight in attendance.

He confessed that as a general dentist he was not paying nearly enough attention to diabetes. This has been the case for most dentists. He found he was not being aggressive enough or watching carefully enough.

He quoted several facts about diabetes, which is the sixth leading cause of death. The life expectancy is shortened for those with diabetes. Diabetes also is the leading cause of lower amputations. The sixth item was that diabetes causes dental diseases. Also the diabetes affects the immune system, making diabetics more subject to flu.

Dentistry and periodontics team up for the sixth complication, periodontal disease. With diabetics it is more severe. Diabetics are two or three times more likely to have periodontal disease than the general population. It becomes 10 times more likely if the diabetic smokes.

The dentist said that periodontal disease is caused by germs -- not by diabetes or smoking. We all have germs floating in our mouth and normally healthy. A local factor for periodontal disease is dental hygiene. Symmetric factors include genetic defects which are rare, smoking and diabetes.

He said that almost every patient he has seen who smokes have some form of a periodontal disease. For diabetics, the body has a lower response against germs for the body to heal itself.

In discussing how periodontal diseases works, he said that they are learning more about it. There are multi theories -- a complex problem. Periodontal disease is a chronic disease, bacteria attacks teeth and gums, leading to destructions. The body infirmary response is greater than normal. The responses in diabetics include a wide range of effects. Included are chemical reactions implicated in cardio disease. Diabetics are two to four times more likely to have cardio disease. According to Dr. Bunton, 70 percent of Type 2 diabetics die of premature cardio disease. In discussing the periodontal diseases and the effect it has on the body, he said that diabetes makes periodontal diseases worse and periodontal disease make diabetes worse -- a vicious circle.

In discussing what to do about it, he discussed dental hygiene. The local dentist recommends an electric tooth brush. He personally prefers a rotary brush. Brushing needs to be done two times a day. Using a timer for two minutes was suggested. Most of us do not brush our teeth for two minutes, but it is needed. Have to work with it to get the teeth clean. It is normal with kids that they do not brush properly for long enough.

Dental floss needs to be used as the tooth brush does not get between the teeth. For wider spaces between teeth, he encouraged using a special little brush. His recommendation for toothpaste is Colgate Total. It includes an ingredient that is antibacterial, which last for several hours. Rinsing with Listerine is encouraged.

Diabetics with no teeth need to watch mouth sores, which are a no-no. If there is a mouth sore, see a dentist. They are compared to feet sores. With complete dentures, the dentures need to be cleaned once or twice a day, especially inside, to prevent the growth of fungus. Clean the dentures as well for prevention.

He recommended visiting the dentist every six months. Those with periodontal disease need to visit the dentist every three months and have the teeth cleaned every three months. Those with no teeth need to visit the dentist once a year. If there are mouth sores -- see the dentist!

Bunton said that if your dentist recommends that you see a periodontist, say yes. It is difficult for people on Medicaid to receive dental care, especially from a specialist.

Bunton said that there is a great need for dentists in Nevada. The youngest is more than 50. The trend is that it will become necessary to go to Joplin or Kansas City for a dentist. It is hard for students to get into dental school. Most couples have two careers and it often is difficult for the spouse to get a job in the small town.

He suggested that a general check up is not expensive. Dental implants for shrunk teeth are not an option for diabetics.

The next group diabetic education program will be held 10 a.m. Nov. 20, the third Monday, at the Senior Center. There will be a recipe exchange. Each is invited to bring three favorite recipes. The program will be on nutritional snacks.

For additional information regarding dental care, contact your dentist. For information on diabetic education contact Darla Englebrecht, Diabetes Nurse Educator at the Bowman Building, 2015 North West, Nevada, or call (417) 448-2016 or (417) 262-0447.

A comment by Bunton was that people with diabetes need to do a better job of dental hygiene -- see a dentist. Brush more -- see a dentist more. "You might lose not only teeth and gum, might lose your life."