Commentary by Capt. Ben Lee
95th Medical Operations Squadron8/6/2007 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
...There are a number of risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant. Most studies have found that smokers have greater amount of plaque and calculus accumulation, greater pocket depths and bone loss.
Also periodontal healing is slow in these patients because of their impaired blood functions, which results in an impaired immune system. Therefore, smoking can definitely jeopardize the success of treatment...
...Many changes occur in your body when you have diabetes.
In the gums, microvascular changes occur similar to those in other organs. These changes result in impaired oxygen and nutrient delivery to the gingival tissues.
Also, impaired white blood cell function occurs and may be responsible for severe periodontal destruction in diabetics because they are not able to get rid of the invasive, pathogenic bacteria.
Furthermore, a diabetic's equilibrium may become altered resulting in increased collagen breakdown and rapid periodontal destruction. Collagen is a protein found in all connective tissues of the body, including the gums and bone. Normal collagen turnover occurs with new collagen production replacing the old. This is necessary for maintaining periodontal health. ..
Entire Article:
http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123063497
