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Modern medical solutions for diabetes and weight loss have evolved to be highly effective tools for combating these conditions. Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza and Muonjaro (known as GLPs) are the latest iterations of drugs that are effective at mimicking the humble Gila Monster, a desert reptile, in its ability to stabilize its blood sugar and suppress its appetite. This is because a peptide in the Gila monster’s saliva suppresses its appetite, slows down its gastric emptying time, and stabilizes its glucose levels. Incretins are these hormones or peptides that can do the same thing in humans.

According to pharmacologist Tom Viola, who recently discussed these issues on the ADA podcast, Mounjaro is more effective than Ozempic. Mounjaro targets two incretins, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which are responsible for weight loss, while Ozempic targets only one.

There are several ways in which GLPs can affect oral health. Here is how they can affect you and how Dr. Singletary ensures the safety and comfort of all of his patients:

Why dentists are interested in knowing more about GLPs and the known systemic effects on overall oral health:

A dentist who learns that a patient is taking GPLs may operate under the assumption that the patient is diabetic or prediabetic, and approach the treatment planning from that standpoint without realizing the patient is using it for weight loss.

Another potential issue arises when a patient does not inform the doctor of the drug at all, despite the fact that the drug can cause hypoglycemia. Nobody likes to eat before the dentist, but when a person is in a stressful situation and they haven’t eaten, a patient using GLPs could have lowered glycogen levels and be subject to hypoglycemia.

Additionally, a person may have a tendency to over-use these drugs in order to combat their weight.This can lead to stasis, and ultimately gastroparesis. This is because the body has suppressed the gastric emptying time so much that there’s no digestive movement. This means that the food doesn’t go anywhere and either the user must expel whatever they’ve eaten or it simply sits in the stomach causing bad breath; this is where the term “Ozempic Burp” comes from.

How Dr. Singletary approaches these issues for the health of the patient:

Dr. Singletary conducts a thorough consultation with the patients in order to learn everything he needs to maintain the safety of the patient and be fully informed on how to proceed.

First: Our office takes a complete medical history.

Second: If a patient uses a GLP drug we ask important follow-up questions related to the purpose for taking that medication.

Third: We ensure that we are prepared for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia, which can be due to the medication or the stresses involved in a dental visit.

Fourth: Dr. Singletary notes what is necessary to look for in the mouth. For example, there may be xerostomia due to elevated blood sugars and therefore frequent urination.

Dr. Singletary believes it is important to be able to spot the differences between a person using GLPs and a patient experiencing GERD, an eating disorder, or even cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (vomiting daily from excessive cannabis).

Interactions that GLP medications may have with other drugs

There are very few direct drug interactions, however there are a few indirect interactions.

While we know that GLPs can cause hyperglycemia, there are also some medications in dentistry that can alter blood glucose levels like corticosteroids (anti-inflammatories). For instance, epinephrine can raise blood glucose levels.

With a full medical history and an informed approach, our office can work to mitigate any negative interactions that otherwise might be possible.

The positive side of GLPs

GLP medications have helped many people treat type 2 diabetes and to lose weight in a healthy and responsible way. While clinicians must be able to recognize the potential pitfalls, it’s also important to recognize the positive qualities that GLPs offer.

GLP medications are approved by the FDA as safe and effective. Dr. Singletary encourages that if you’ve been prescribed a drug by your physician, take advantage of it, and use it responsibly. Finally, it’s important to avoid discounting the role that dentists play in good healthcare, not just oral healthcare alone.

For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:

Popular Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic: How They Can Affect Your Oral Health

A Commitment to Mental Health

At North Raleigh Periodontics – serving the greater triangle area- and Implant Center, we are proud to sponsor and support the 2024 Walk for Hope, a crucial event dedicated to funding mental health research. This year marks the 36th annual flagship charity event, which has raised millions of dollars to better understand and treat mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, postpartum depression, schizophrenia, and anorexia. We invite you to join our team, “North Raleigh Periodontics and Implant Center,” on October 13, from 9-2 as a participant in this significant cause.

Celebrating Community and Resilience

Supporting Volunteers with Oral Care Kits

North Raleigh Periodontics and Implant Center is not only a proud sponsor of this event, but we also contribute in a tangible way by donating 300 oral care kits to the hard-working volunteers who make this event possible. We recognize the invaluable efforts of these volunteers and aim to support them with essential oral care supplies as a token of our appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

Virtual Participation and Donations

For those who cannot attend in person, you can still make a difference by joining us virtually. Whether you prefer to walk or run from afar or make a donation, your support is invaluable. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health, with as many as one in three American adults now affected by mental illnesses. Your participation, whether physical or virtual, helps bring much-needed attention and funding to mental health research right here in the Triangle.

Driving Research and Eliminating Stigma

The funds raised by participants directly benefit the UNC-Chapel Hill Department of Psychiatry, driving local mental health research. This research not only aims to find better treatments but also works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. By participating in the Walk for Hope, you help foster a community of understanding and support, and your dedication brings us closer to our goal of making a real impact on mental health.

For those able, we’d be honored for you to join North Raleigh Periodontics and Implant Center in making this year’s Walk for Hope the biggest yet. Your passion and commitment are the driving forces behind our collective success. Registration is now open for the 2024 Walk for Hope. Together, we can go further and achieve more than ever before. Let’s walk together for a brighter, healthier future for all.

About the Foundation of Hope

North Raleigh Periodontics & Implant Center is thrilled to announce our support of the 2024 Triangle Buddy Walk, an inspiring event organized by the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance(NCDSA). Serving the greater Triangle area—including Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest—we are committed to supporting, advocating for, and celebrating individuals with Down syndrome in our community. This year’s walk is set for Sunday, October 20th at Sugg Farm in Holly Springs, NC.

The Significance of the Triangle Buddy Walk

The Triangle Buddy Walk is more than just a day of walking; it’s a celebration of individuals with Down syndrome and a powerful platform for raising awareness and funds for the NCDSA. This annual event unites families, friends, and community members across the Triangle area in a day filled with fun, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Beyond the festivities, the event’s core purpose is to advocate for inclusion, support, and the empowerment of individuals with Down syndrome. The Triangle Buddy Walk and the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance is especially meaningful for Dr. Singletary and his family since Sophia, the youngest of his children, is an individual with Down syndrome.

At North Raleigh Periodontics and Implant Center, we often encounter patients who are unsure about the differences between receiving periodontal care from a general dentist versus a periodontist. While general dentists are highly skilled professionals capable of handling a broad range of dental issues, periodontists offer specialized care that can be crucial for certain periodontal conditions.

The Path to Becoming a Periodontist

The journey to becoming a periodontist involves extensive education and training. After completing dental school, which itself is a rigorous program, aspiring periodontists undergo an additional three years of specialty training focused solely on periodontics. This advanced training includes in-depth study and practice of gum disease treatment, dental implants, and other complex periodontal procedures.

Some periodontists choose to go even further, aiming to become a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. This credential requires an additional five-year process beyond the three-year periodontal program, involving comprehensive exams and case documentation. This further extends their knowledge and expertise, ensuring they are exceptionally well-equipped to handle a variety of periodontal issues.

Specialized Training and Focus

While general dentists receive training in various fields including orthodontics, endodontics, prosthetics, and periodontics, a periodontist’s training is concentrated specifically on periodontal disease and implant dentistry. This specialization means that periodontists are not only proficient in treating gum disease but also excel in performing advanced procedures like bone grafting, sinus lifts, and the placement of dental implants.

Periodontists are dedicated to evidence-based practice, spending years studying the latest research and clinical techniques to ensure the best outcomes for their patients. This focus on continual learning and application of cutting-edge methods sets periodontists apart in their field.

Comprehensive Care and Long-Term Health

When it comes to periodontal care, the approach of a periodontist is thorough and meticulous. Periodontists aim to save natural teeth whenever possible, using treatments that address the root causes of gum issues rather than just the symptoms. Their extensive training allows them to diagnose and treat conditions that might be overlooked in a general dental setting.

Moreover, periodontists manage a range of gum issues beyond just disease. These can include gum recession, cosmetic gum surgery, and dental implants. By focusing on the health of the gums and the underlying bone structure, periodontists play a critical role in ensuring the longevity and stability of your teeth.

When to Seek a Periodontist

It’s important to know when to consult a periodontist. While general dentists can handle routine dental care and minor gum issues, a periodontist is recommended for:

• Moderate to advanced gum disease
• Significant gum recession
• Complex dental implant cases
• Persistent bad breath or bleeding gums
• Loose or shifting teeth

Ensuring Optimal Care

For those already receiving periodontal treatment at a general dentist’s office, it’s worth considering a second opinion from periodontist, especially for more serious issues. Patients should feel empowered to ask about their dentist’s training and experience in periodontal procedures. This is similar to checking a cardiologist’s credentials before a heart procedure – your oral health deserves the same diligence.

At North Raleigh Periodontics and Implant Center, Dr. Macon Singletary and his team bring years of specialized training and experience to every patient. We are committed to providing care that not only addresses immediate concerns but also promotes long-term oral health and overall well-being.

If you have concerns about your gum health or are considering dental implants, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our expertise in periodontics ensures you receive the highest standard of care, tailored to your unique needs.

For more information, email us at [email protected]. Your smile deserves specialized care – let us help you achieve and maintain optimal gum health. Serving the greater Triangle area – Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Clayton, Rolesville, and Wake Forest.

For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:

Periodontist vs. General Dentist: Differences in Treating Periodontal Disease
How Periodontal Disease is Treated: Golf Bag of Treatment Options
You’ve Been Diagnosed with Periodontal Disease: Here’s What You Need to Know Next

A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs in people’s mouths when the frenulum is too thick or tight causing difficulty speaking or eating. This condition can be especially problematic for younger people, preventing them from eating properly and maintaining a healthy nutrition intake. Additionally, the condition can cause difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or phrases since the tongue is unable to move correctly. Present at birth, tongue ties tether the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, restricting movement and interfering with talking, eating, and swallowing.

A similar condition, called a lip tie, involves the frenum (or frenulum) of the upper or lower lip, limiting the movement range of a person’s mouth. Like tongue ties, lip ties can interfere with a person’s ability to obtain proper nutrition. Lip ties can also eventually lead to gum recession if left untreated.

How Do You Know If You Have a Tongue or Lip Tie?

Signs that a person may have a tongue tie or lip tie include: a lack of tongue or lip mobility, the inability to reach the tongue past the bottom teeth or a tongue that looks heart shaped when the patient sticks it out. Tongue or lip ties can be fixed, however, with a procedure called a Frenectomy which is a service that North Raleigh Perio provides for it’s patients.

The Procedure

The procedure is done by removing a part of the frenum with the Erbium Chromium YSGG laser by Biolase, freeing the tongue or lip tie in the patient’s mouth. Laser assisted frenectomies can be more effective and much less invasive, involving shorter recoveries times and better results than traditional methods of treatment. Dr. Singletary explains this process further here.

Being tongue or lip tied can be inconvenient, but these conditions are easily fixed! The frenectomy procedure is quick, fairly painless, involves minimal bleeding, and the recovery time is short. Patients are able to resume their normal activity the same day. Feel free to contact us with questions. Serving the greater Triangle area – Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Clayton, Rolesville, and Wake Forest.

For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:

Tongue Ties and Lip Ties Unraveled: Separating Fact from Fiction

by Dr. Macon Singletary, July – August – September 2024

“Dental implants have transformed countless smiles, offering individuals with missing teeth a long-lasting solution that goes beyond mere aesthetics. They restore full functionality, allowing individuals to eat, speak, and smile with renewed confidence and without the discomfort often associated with dentures. By integrating seamlessly with the jawbone, dental implants prevent bone loss and help maintain facial structure, which is vital for oral health and appearance.”

Read the complete article at Circa Magazine