Periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection that destroys oral tissues and the jawbone, is a common problem among diabetics. Because of the bi-directional nature of these two chronic diseases, any improvement in one condition improves the other. Dr. Hartwell and his hygienists have long been involved in non-surgical periodontal care including scaling and root planing and placement of sub-gingival, time-release antibiotics. "The evidence suggests that oral health care providers can have a significant, positive effect on the oral and general health of patients with diabetes mellitus" according to an article in the Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol. 139, No suppl_5, 19S-24S, 2008. Dr. Hartwell and his team are well prepared to provide preventive oral health care to patients dealing with diabetes mellitus.
Note normal level of bone holding teeth in place compared to a patient with a rampant periodontal infection.
