1111 University Blvd, West G-4
Silver Spring, MD 20902
301.649.5001
fax: 301.681.8132
2850 North Ridge Road,
Suite 201
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410.461.6655
fax: 410.461.6672
Bleeding gums, dry mouth, fungal infections and cavities are all oral signs that might clue Dr. Lee into a very serious health issue: diabetes.
Gum and bone disease occurs more than twice as often among people with diabetes as for non-diabetics, and it is much harder for diabetics to control. Diabetes can aggravate, worsen and accelerate gum and bone disease…which, in turn, makes it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.
Medical research shows that the consequences go far beyond bleeding gums, eating difficulties and tooth loss. Gum and bone disease substantially worsens risks of heart disease and stroke - already worsened by diabetes. The surface of healthy mucous membrane in the mouth is rich with antibodies called ‘immunoglobulins’ that protect you from bacteria and viruses. As we age, our bodies manufacture less and less of these immunoglobulins, meaning we have less and less resistance to the 300 different kinds of bacteria.
The biggest danger is oral bacteria entering the blood stream through a tear in the gum tissue - even a tiny, microscopic tear. The bacteria can then move directly through the carotid arteries to the brain. The very same bacterial plaques that cause gum and bone disease can trigger the arteries to swell, causing blood flow constriction which sharply increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.
DentistryforDiabetics(sm) provides comprehensive and continuing clinical education about caring for diabetic dental patients to a limited number of qualified Dental Practitioners. Each dentist must complete an exclusive educational program, developed from extensive medical, integrative medicine, alternative health and dentistry research, professional journals, the American Diabetes Association, and curriculum from sources such as the International Diabetes Center. As a charter member of DentistryforDiabetics(sm), Dr. Lee continues to receive current information on diabetic patient education, care and case management, as well as practice management and community outreach.
Given his extensive training in the DentistryforDiabetics(sm) program, Dr. Lee will provide you with the most complete and thorough dental and periodontal exam possible.
If Dr. Lee determines it is appropriate, at your option, you will immediately receive or be scheduled for a comprehensive exam. This includes a complete examination of your gum and bone tissues, analysis of bone loss, and analysis of the condition of your teeth.
X-rays may or may not be required. The exam is non-invasive and usually pain-free. In addition, your current blood sugar level and Cholesterol levels may be tested. Of course, nothing is done without your complete understanding and approval. This exam has been designed specifically for diabetic patients, to provide the most complete diagnosis possible of any and all gum, infections, tooth loss, bone loss levels, worsening or accelerating diabetes and increasing risks of diabetic complications.
Dr. Lee carefully tailors the DentistryforDiabetics Program according to each patient’s specific needs. In addition to the best technology for completely painless and ultra-effective treatment, Dr. Lee uses antimicrobial applications beneath the gum line, special gum treatment liquids available only from dental professionals, topical tissue conditioners, desensitizing agents so you can brush properly without pain or discomfort, and close monitoring by our highly skilled team members.
After your exam, based on your needs Dr. Lee will develop a specific protocol just for you, to assist in controlling your gum problems. Often times this is done by combining anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and immune building components, including scaling and root planing, as well as a variety of dental supplements.
If you have any questions regarding the DentistryforDiabetics Program(sm) or want to schedule your initial appointment, please contact our office.