November is Diabetes Awareness Month. We want to highlight the strong connection between your oral health and your overall well-being, particularly for those living with diabetes.

How Are Diabetes and Oral Health Linked?

• Inflammation: Gum disease creates inflammation in the mouth, which can worsen blood sugar control in diabetics.
• Increased Susceptibility: High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight gum infections.
• Vicious Cycle: Left untreated, gum disease and diabetes can exacerbate each other, creating a cycle of worsening health outcomes.

Taking Control

The good news: you have the power to break the cycle! Here’s how:

• Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental appointments for cleanings and screenings. Early detection and treatment of gum disease are critical.
• Meticulous Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss diligently at home to remove plaque and bacteria, reducing gum inflammation.
• Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress – all factors contributing to both oral and overall health.
• Open Communication: Discuss your oral health concerns with Dr. Comfortes, and share any updates on your diabetes management with your primary physician.
• Increased Frequency of Dental Cleanings: Dr. Comfortes may recommend you visit our office for more frequent dental cleanings, for example, every three months instead of every six. 
• Advanced Therapy: We’re proud to offer Perio Protect™, a groundbreaking therapy developed by Dr. Duane C. Keller, a leading expert in periodontal disease. Perio Protect™ is a minimally invasive system that uses customized trays to deliver medication deep into the gum pockets, targeting the bacteria that cause chronic gum inflammation. This innovative approach has been proven in clinical studies to kill harmful bacteria within 72 hours. Prior to this therapy, Dr. Comfortes may recommend OralDNA saliva testing to determine the specific pathogens to be eliminated.

Benefits of Perio Protect

• Minimally Invasive: Perio Protect™ is a gentle and comfortable treatment option, with minimal discomfort or downtime.
• Effective Results: Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Perio Protect™ in reducing gum inflammation and improving oral health.
• Convenience: The trays are easy to use and can be worn at your convenience, fitting seamlessly into your daily routine.

At Total Health Dentistry of Encino, We Care

We understand the importance of a holistic approach to health. Our team is dedicated to collaborating with you to achieve optimal oral health, which in turn contributes to managing diabetes and overall well-being. If you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes or at risk of Type 2 Diabetes, we will team with you to understand your oral health and maximize your total health. 

Schedule your next dental visit and experience the extraordinary benefits of our comprehensive care. You deserve the best!