Medical research shows that there is a significant relationship between gum disease and serious health problems such as cancer, diabetes, and heart problems. In this interview, Dr. Gio Iuculano discusses periodontal scaling (deep cleaning) as a way to help restore and maintain healthy gums, and reduce the risk of developing other serious diseases.
Transcript:
I’d like to talk about periodontal disease—also known as gum disease—and its links to high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cancers. We know from medical research that there is a high correlation between those diseases and gum disease. So we stress to our patients that it is tremendously important to come in for cleanings two to three times a year. Maintaining healthy gums with professional cleanings every four to six months keeps the infection levels down in the gums, which then reduces one’s risk of developing those other conditions. A healthy set of gums is critical!
For patients who come to us for the first time, we do a thorough gum evaluation during their new patient exam. If we find that they have an active infection or active periodontal disease, we recommend a course of periodontal scaling, or deep cleaning. That usually consists of two to three visits, during which we remove all the infected tissue from the mouth. We perform this process in multiple visits so that we can avoid having to numb a patient’s entire mouth at once, as this can cause inconvenience with respect to eating, drinking, and speaking. Through periodontal scaling, we create a clean, healthy environment where the body can take over and heal. Then as we see the inflammation, the infection, and the unhealthy tissue disappear, we see the gums restored to a healthy state. We’ve had patients over the years who have been on diabetic medicine—insulin—and after we’ve cleaned their teeth properly and restored the health of their gums, we’ve seen a drop in how much insulin they’ve had to use. So ask your doctor about the link between gum disease and other health risks today, and let’s get your gums healthy!