Day-long camp at JSS Hospital tomorrow

Mysore/Mysuru: Oral Hygiene Day is celebrated across India on Aug.1 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. G.B. Shankwalkar, the doyen of Indian Periodontology and Founding-Member of Indian Society of Periodontology.

A Special Interest Group (SIG) on Diabetes and Oral Care is formed as a unit of JSS Dental College and Hospital, Mysuru, with a team of Dentists, Physicians, Microbiologist, Biochemist and Pharmacologist. 

The SIG team is involved in educating the masses, organising conferences for dental students and faculty, oral screening, treatment and research related to the same. SIG has two clinics at: 1. Department of Periodontology, JSS Dental College and Hospital, Shivarathreeshwara Nagar; 2. Department of Dental Science, JSS Multispeciality Hospital, M.G. Road, Agrahara.

Patients needing diabetes and oral care, screening and treatment can contact Dr. Anitha Subbappa,  Periodontist/ Gum Specialist – Team Leader; Dr. Suneeth Shetty – Endodontist or Dr. Prasanna Kumar- Physician (JSS Hospital).

As part of Oral Hygiene Day, the SIG Group has organised a one-day camp at JSS Multispeciality Hospital in Agrahara on Aug. 5 from 9 am to 4 pm. Those requiring oral screening can avail the facility. 

Uncontrolled diabetes leads to various complications like kidney disease and cardiovascular changes. Impaired wound healing periodontitis (gum disease) is considered a 6th complication of diabetes.  Research suggests that gum treatment to an extent reduces blood sugar levels; hence the significance of oral hygiene and dental care.   

Oral changes in diabetes

1. Periodontitis (gum disease): Bleeding gums, food lodgement, urge to dig into the pocket, multiple gum swelling/abscess, pus discharge from gums, loose teeth, pain on chewing, tooth migration; 2.  Dental caries: Untreated leading to swelling within the mouth or on the cheek, chin or face region; 3. White lesions;  4. Reduced salivation; 5. Bad odour (halitosis); 6.  Altered taste sensation; 7. Burning mouth.

Oral hygiene care 

Brush twice daily; Follow correct tooth brushing technique; Use soft bristled tooth brush; Rinse mouth after each meal; Inter-dental brushing as specified by dentist;  Regular flossing; Change tooth brush once in 3 months; Tongue cleansing.