Gum disease affects millions of people and leads to serious oral health issues, including adult tooth loss. However, did you know there is also a possible connection between gum disease and diabetes? Understanding this link can protect both your oral and overall health.
FAQs About Gum Disease and Diabetes
Question: What causes periodontal disease?
Answer: Gum disease occurs when the gums experience inflammation. Plaque buildup, certain medicines, illnesses, and hormonal fluctuations can all lead to inflammation. Soon, the inflamed gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets, which bacteria invade to start the onset of the disease. Patients may then experience sore, red gums that bleed easily, gingival recession, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, and in advanced cases, tooth loss.
Question: How does this lead to diabetes?
Answer: With diabetes patients are more prone to developing infections, which makes the likelihood of periodontal disease increase. In many cases experts view periodontal disease as another complication of the illness.
Question: How do I treat the issue?
Answer: Your doctor can outline treatment options for managing your diabetes. For controlling gum disease, a dentist or periodontist may suggest a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing to remove plaque form the tooth’s crown and exposed root surfaces), better oral maintenance, and possibly even procedures designed to remove infected gum tissue.
Question: Can I prevent periodontal disease?
Answer: The disease can often be prevented with routine oral care. You should brush and floss your teeth thoroughly and frequently, everyday, to remove bacteria and food particles from your month. Doing so can reduce the severity of plaque buildup and the risk of inflammation. In addition, the dentist may suggest a routine cleaning once every three to four mouths to remove plaque and allow the dentist to monitor your smile for indicators of the disease.
