Impact of Periodontal Therapy on Patients With Diabetes

Paroex® is a non-alcohol chlorhexidine preparation. Participants are to use 15 mL morning and evening for 3 months. With use of chlorhexidine, there is risk of reversible staining of teeth and the possibility of some alteration in taste. There is increased likeliness of staining in smokers, coffee drinkers and those who are susceptible to teeth staining in general. The cleaning of the front teeth is provided at the 3-month visit and helps to reduce any staining that may occur. If there is any alteration in taste, it should go away when use of chlorhexidine stops.

SRP is standard treatment of periodontitis. It involves using a scaler to remover subgingival plaque and other debris in the space between teeth and gums.

Soft Picks are a rubber interdental bristle cleaner. Participants are to use Soft Picks morning and evening for all 12 months of the study. They may cause some bleeding of the gums at first usage, but the bleeding should lessen and stop as use is continued (as gums heal). Soft-Picks are a readily available consumer product sold in supermarkets and drug stores.