WILLIAMSPORT AND COLLEGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA -When it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth, periodontists are vigilant in promoting healthy gums.

When it comes to diabetic patients, this is particularly important.

Diabetics are twice as likely to develop gum disease, according to Dr. David DiGiallorenzo, a Collegeville, PA periodontist. Gum infections can make it harder for diabetics to control their blood sugar and once infection sets in, it can take a while to heal. The more severe the infection is, the more likely it is to eventually lead to tooth loss.

“I can place a dental implant if a patient loses a tooth, but I would rather help my patients do everything it takes to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime,” says the Collegeville, PA dental implants expert.

Gum disease in its early stages is called gingivitis. It is caused by plaque germs. Patients with diabetes should brush their teeth with a toothpaste that is FDA approved for gingivitis and has been recognized for gum care, reports Dr. Bill Devizio, a dentist who is vice president of Colgate Dental Research. Devizio says Colgate Total reduces 90 percent more plaque germs 12 hours after brushing, compared to regular fluoride toothpaste.

Gum Disease Treatment
For diabetics with gum disease, the good news is there is an effective treatment option available. DiGiallorenzo’s office treats gum disease with the state-of-the-art Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. Called LANAP for short, this procedure is practically pain-free and involves no cutting or suturing. Instead, a laser gently passes between the teeth and the gumline to remove diseased tissue and leave healthy tissue in its place. The process uses ultrasonic root debridement to clean root surfaces, followed by a different laser setting to clot the blood so we get a good seal, which removes the need to use sutures.

Because it is less invasive, patients recover quickly.

“We’ve had patients tell us they ate a cheesesteak sandwich the day their procedure was completed- something they hadn’t been able to eat in years,” DiGiallorenzo says.

Patients who undergo the procedure with one of the Williamsport or Collegeville, PA periodontists at DiGiallorenzo’s office are happy with the results, he says.

The Gum Disease-Diabetes Connection
Research has shown that the oral health and diabetes connection is a two-way street, says DiGiallorenzo, who treats diabetic patients at his Collegeville, PA periodontics practice.

Periodontal disease can cause higher blood glucose levels and contribute to the progression of diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetics have a higher risk of serious gum disease because their bodies are more susceptible to bacterial infections and they aren’t able to fight bacteria that invade the gums as effectively as those who don’t have diabetes.

About 285 million people- which includes about 21 million Americans- are affected by diabetes worldwide. This number is only expected to continue rising, according to information posted on the American Academy of Periodontology website.

About Dr. David Digiallorenzo
Dr. David Digiallorenzo, or “Dr. D,” graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1993 and completed a specialty in periodontics and dental implantology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995.

He is a past associate clinical professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Periodontics. He teaches nationally and internationally and is a regular contributor to dental literature.

Dr. D’s private practice in suburban Philadelphia concentrates on periodontics, dental implantology, advanced reconstructive case management and TMJ treatment. It is a unique dental spa with two full-time massage therapists that specialize in reflexology, reiki, massage, aromatherapy and homeopathy. This combination creates a relaxed, optimal healing response.

Dr. D has two office locations: 184 W. Main St., Ste. 200, in Collegeville, PA; and 121 E. Fourth St. in Williamsport, PA.

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Author Bio: If you would like to learn about the potential complications associated with diabetes or you want know more about PA periodontics expert, Dr. David DiGiallorenzo, please call (610) 409-6064 in Collegeville; (570) 322-4741 in Williamsport.

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Keywords: PA dental implants, PA periodontist, PA periodontics, PA periodontists