Uncontrolled Diabetic- Referred by Physician
By: Mary Kay Carroll, RDH
July 18, 2018
The Challenge:
To find the source of her inflammation and infection. If the source is of a bacterial nature, then the goal is to reduce the bacteria. By reducing the bacterial load, the hope is to reduce or eliminate medications for diabetes and blood pressure. Please note: The patient accepts her responsibility for the decline in her overall health.
The Background:
- Age: 41
- Sex: Female
- Medical History: Type II Diabetes, High BP, acid reflux
- Family History: Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer
- Last Dental Exam: 2008
- Home Care: Manual toothbrush
- Chief Complaint: “My doctor said my uncontrolled diabetes could be caused by my mouth.”
- Other Notes: Soda consumption
- Clinical Assessment: Sub-gingival and supra-gingival calculus present, tissue inflamed and bulbous
- Periodontal Assessment: Localized chronic, active periodontal disease, slight to moderate
The Solution:
- Date of Pre MyPerioPath® (pre-therapy test): 7/27/2017
- Periodontal therapy: Level 5 Full mouth therapy performed. The “5 tip” cavitron method was incorporated with irrigation of water and chlorhexidine. Arestin® was placed in pockets 5mm or greater.
- Systemic Antibiotic Used: As indicated by the MyPerioPath results
- Home Care: Sonicare toothbrush, Waterpik™, ProBiora® Pro-Dental Probiotic and Periosciences® A.O Gel
- Other Notes: Patient was placed on strict home care routine
- Date of MyPerioProgress® (post-therapy test): 10/19/2018
The Result:
Post therapy results were exciting for both the patient and myself. A major biofilm shift was noted with the reduction of the bacteria responsible for her inflammation. Reduction of pocket depth, bleeding and inflammation was noted. The patient was able to discontinue use of three diabetic medications, preventing the need for diabetic injections! The patient also stated losing 20 lbs., which has stabilized her blood pressure, and reported a pleasant reduction of acid reflux. My patient was thrilled with the overall results and has noticed a huge difference with the way her mouth looks and feels. Reflecting on this case, it is imperative to have all the information on which bacteria are causing the problem. Having the evidence, allows the clinician to tailor the treatment for each patient in order to target the cause and measure the effectiveness following treatment.
About the Author:
