Dear Supporters of the Sajen.org, Inc:

Concluding 2018, we would like to update you on Sajen.org’s accomplishments of the past year.

Sajen.org started its second phase of construction to build a community health center in Salbari, West Bengal, India. Giving back to this area has been a long-term goal of the organization.

Sajen.org donated over 15,000 dental supplies and education materials locally and globally and made donations to support the basic needs of the underserved populations.

The most recent workshop conducted was in Sukna Tea Estate, India where children under twelve whose parents work in the local Tea Estate were given dental supplies and educational materials.

Sajen.org also gave a dental health educational seminar and distributed homecare dental supplies to lamas and monks at the Kathok Baylangdra Monastery in Bhutan.

Sajen.org, Inc. continues working with its long-term friends including the PACE Head Start program, schools, and community centers locally and internationally to provide awareness and reduce oral health inequality.

Please keep supporting us with your generous tax-deductible donation to Sajen.org, Inc. to help eliminate oral health inequality.

In gratitude,
Anisha Raibrown,
President
Sajen.org,  Est. 2012

Association between Oral Health and Diabetes:

Oral health and overall health are connected. Diabetes can increase the risk for periodontal disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 30 million individuals are living with diabetes. Globally, an estimated 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014, compared to 108 million in 1980. Research has indicated an increased prevalence of periodontal disease among those with diabetes.

The Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health states that good oral health is integral of overall health. So be sure to brush and floss properly and see your dentist for regular checkups.

What is periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is commonly known as gum disease. Periodontal disease is associated with some complications including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and kidney disease.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

New Research:

Emerging research is suggesting that periodontal disease and diabetes is a two-way street. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.

Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease).

People with diabetes are at an increased risk for serious gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

Risk Factors for Dental Problems:

If blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, then it is more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose teeth. Serious gum disease may be a factor in causing blood sugar to rise and may make diabetes harder to control.
Other oral problems associated to diabetes include: thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.

Prevention:

1. Maintain healthy body weight.
2. Be physically active – at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days.
3. Eat a healthy diet, avoiding sugar and saturated fats intake.
4. Follow advise from your healthcare professionals.
5. Take good care of your teeth and gums, along with regular checkups every six months or as recommended.
6. Avoid smoking.
7. Avoid Alcohol use.
8. Remove and clean dentures daily, if you wear them.
9. Good blood glucose control can also help prevent or relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.

 
Regular dental exams could be the first line of defense against diabetes!!
 
For more information visit:
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/diabetes-and-oral-health.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diabetes
http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
 
 

There are oral health disparities among the underprivileged elderly minority population in Massachusetts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the elderly make up a growing percentage of the U.S. population. According to the 2015 U.S. Census, over one million members of Massachusetts’ population are 65 years old or older, and that number is expected to double by 2035. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 23 percent of 65 to 75 year olds suffer from severe periodontal diseases, with rates increasing with age and lower socioeconomic status. Older adults can have tooth decay at higher rates than children. Oral and pharyngeal cancers are primarily diagnosed in the elderly population, and have poor prognosis. Neurological disease is another age associated condition which makes the elderly population more vulnerable to oral diseases.

The Journal of Clinical Periodontology shared its finding on higher death rates among chronic kidney disease patients with severe periodontitis (gum disease). About 14,000 Americans took part in the survey. The data indicated that the ten year death rate among study participants with chronic kidney disease and severe periodontitis was about 10% higher than that of participants with chronic kidney disease and no severe periodontitis. 
The study showed a statically significant correlation between oral health and overall health.