Diabetes and Gum Disease

periodontal disease

Most people look after and take care to keep the teeth healthy and clean, but the gums are an area that often gets neglected. Gums house tooth enamel and root structures and can quickly get affected if teeth have infections. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, vary from mild to severe and cause an array of symptoms such as pain, soreness, bleeding and tooth loss.

Our dental care center offers technologically advanced gum treatment for patients suffering from periodontal disease.  With the highly effective gum treatment techniques our dentists help to stop or slow the progression of periodontal disease.

An early detection of disease becomes crucial in fighting the effects of harmful bacteria.  Timely gum treatment can help you save your natural teeth whitening and prevent irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. Dental surgeons advise to give your gums the attention they deserve.  This can also take care against serious health problems like oral cancer.

The Connection

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults and is also frequently linked to the control of diabetes. Periodontal disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and has also been linked to heart disease, strokes and in some cases to mouth cancer.

Factors That Link Diabetes to Gum Disease

1. Studies show that people with insufficient blood sugar control seem to develop gum disease more frequently and more severely than people who have good management over their diabetes.
2. Diabetes slows circulation, which can also make the gum tissues more susceptible to infections.
3. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection which increases the probability of the gums becoming infected.
4. High glucose levels in saliva promote growth of bacteria that cause gum disease.
5. People with diabetes who smoke are far more likely to develop gum disease than people who smoke and do not have diabetes.
6. Poor oral hygiene is a major factor in gum disease for everyone, but it is even more so for a person with diabetes.

 Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

1. Red and swollen gums
2. Gums that tend to bleed easily
3. Gums separating from the teeth
4. Loose teeth
5. Frequent bad breath
6. Change in the way your teeth fit together
7. Change in the way partials or dentures fit

Prevention

1. Maintain good control over your blood sugar levels.
2. Do not smoke
3. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are essential in preventing gum disease.
4. Eat a healthy and well balanced diet.

Be sure to tell your dentist and hygienist that you have diabetes so that any signs of early gum disease can be detected by the dentist.