Few Important Days To Remember In The Month Of November

World antibiotic awareness week (November 11-17)

The usage of antibiotics started in 1928, after the discovery of penicillin by Fleming. In between 1950s and 1960s, the spread of antibiotics in western countries and then in all the continents caused a progressive change of resistance of microorganisms. The reduction of pathologies of infectious origins allowed a progressive development in daily life in various countries like American, Europe, and in the Soviet Union. Vaccines are used with a high level of safety in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. Use of antibiotics and vaccines caused a drastic reduction of the significance of diseases.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis is recommended in various dental procedures. Recommendations are based on the guidelines of American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:-

1. Scaling and root planning of teeth
2. Periodontal procedures
3. Tooth extraction procedures
4. Suture removal
5. Biopsies
6. Implants
7. Endodontic procedures

Antibiotics for odontogenic infections: Treatment should be given in some acute situations of odontogenic infection pulp origin as a complement to root canal treatment.

Antibiotics for non-odontogenic infections: Non-odontogenic infections includes both specific infections (tuberculosis, syphilis, leprosy) and nonspecific infections of the oral cavity. Treatment usually includes clindamycin, fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and moxifloxacin) and, in the case of third generation fluoroquinolones (moxifloxacin).

Antibiotic overuse and misuse among dentists is substantial. It is of worldwide concern because of the spreading and developing resistance of most common bacteria to most inexpensive generic antibiotics. Improving the quality and the quantity of medication will need professional and public education towards rational use of antibiotics.

American diabetes Month (November)

Approximately 29 million people living in the United States have diabetes which is around 9% of the total population. Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. In Type I diabetes, the immune system mistakes the body’s own cells for foreign invaders. The immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas which results in the inability of the body to produce insulin. In Type II diabetes, our own body stops reacting to insulin. The body still produces insulin, but it’s unable to use it efficiently. Both these types result in high blood sugar levels which in turn can cause multiple problems in our body. Managing your blood sugar level is a key to success. Higher blood sugar levels may result into the following conditions:

1. Tooth cavities: The acids in plaque attack the surfaces of your teeth (enamel and dentin) which can lead to cavities.
2. Early gum disease (gingivitis). Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria which leads to various gum diseases.
3. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis): Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more severe infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Diabetes slows down body’s healing process and reduces the ability to resist infection.
4. Thrush/fungal infection: People with diabetes may be more likely to develop thrush, which is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. You can observe few signs like painful white or red patches inside your mouth.
5. Dry mouth (xerostomia): Some people with diabetes also experience a lack of saliva, a condition known as dry mouth. Lack of saliva indicates risk of tooth decay, gum disease and thrush.

Few tips for your proper dental care:-

1. Make a commitment to manage your diabetes.
2. Must brush your teeth twice a day.
3. Use floss or waterpik at least once a day.
4. Look for early signs of gum disease.
5. Don't smoke.
6. Schedule your regular dental visits.

Managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment which includes proper dental care.