Van regularly used painkillers whenever her teeth ached. Recently, her weakened teeth made chewing difficult, and she noticed bad breath and yellowing. She visited Tam Anh General Clinic District 7 for a check-up.

Doctor Duong Anh Thu, Head of Odonto-Stomatology, reported that Van had severe tooth decay leading to a gum infection. Van's condition was complex, as she also had uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes.

Doctor Thu explained that people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing oral diseases, and these conditions tend to progress more severely. High blood sugar impairs white blood cell function, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive in the oral cavity, and slows the healing process.

Doctors developed a personalized treatment plan for Van. First, internal medicine doctors provided treatment to bring her blood pressure and blood sugar levels to a safe range. Once these indicators stabilized, the dental team began treatment in stages to allow her to adapt gradually.

During the initial session, doctors performed partial scaling with low-power ultrasound waves to alleviate sharp pain. In addition to applying a soothing gel, doctors administered local anesthesia at sensitive points. Simultaneously, low-energy diode laser technology helped eliminate bacteria in periodontal pockets and stimulated gum tissue for faster recovery.

Doctor Thu treats Van. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

After cleaning the tartar, doctors adjusted the laser energy to enhance bacterial control and reduce inflammation. Concurrently, the patient received instructions on proper oral hygiene practices.

Once the inflammation is controlled and her health indicators stabilize, Van will undergo extraction of the decayed tooth that caused the prolonged infection.

Doctors recommend that individuals with diabetes and other internal medical conditions schedule dental check-ups every three to four months, rather than the typical 6 months for healthy individuals. Periodontal inflammation and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship; if periodontal conditions are not well-controlled, blood sugar levels can quickly rise. Conversely, unstable blood sugar also worsens periodontal disease and makes it harder to treat.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3,7 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases. Among these, severe periodontal inflammation affects over one billion people. In the group over 60 years old, about 23% experience complete tooth loss, directly impacting nutrition and overall health.

Thao Vy