Sciota, Pennsylvania
Diabetes and gum disease are two common conditions affecting Americans. According to the Diabetes Research Institute, some 34.8 million Americans have diabetes. And the CDC reports almost half of U.S. adults over the age of 30 to have some form of gum disease. Just because you have one of these diseases does not mean you automatically have the other. But is there a correlation between the two? Today on the blog, our family dentists in Sciota explore the connection between gum disease and diabetes to help you better protect your oral health and your health.
First, let’s explain gum disease. Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by an influx of oral bacteria that causes the gums to swell and bleed easily. If not treated, gum disease can progress to tooth loss, and eventually, the bacteria enter the bloodstream through the infected gums. Bacteria could travel to other areas of your body, leading to chronic inflammatory diseases that increase your risk of certain diseases, like diabetes.
How does gum disease affect diabetes?
If you have gum disease, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will automatically develop diabetes. And the same is true the other way around – diabetes does not always result in gum disease. However, there is a strong correlation between the two.
Since gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, it makes it harder for the body to regulate its glucose levels, which is the primary issue with diabetes. Therefore, chronic and untreated gum disease can increase one’s risk of developing diabetes.
On the other hand, diabetics with untreated gum disease are fighting an uphill battle because unstable glucose levels make managing diabetes difficult. If you have diabetes, you should talk to your dentist about the best oral care practices for you. It is vital that you have good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. You should also see the dentist routinely for dental cleanings and exams. It is possible that you may need to see the dentist more frequently for oral care.
How can I tell if I have gum disease?
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which causes the gums to appear swollen, red, and tender, and they bleed easily, like when getting your teeth cleaned or flossing. With good oral hygiene and dental care, you can reverse gingivitis back to healthy gums. However, if ignored, gingivitis progresses into gum disease or what is called periodontitis. Periodontitis has several stages that progress if not treated. Eventually, you could lose your teeth because of gum disease.
How can I treat gum disease?
Quiet Valley Dental treats gum disease in all stages. First, we recommend daily oral hygiene practices that you can do at home. Then, we recommend that you undergo a deep dental cleaning, which is similar to regular dental cleaning, except your mouth is numb, and the hygienist cleans below the gum line to remove tartar buildup from your tooth’s roots and the periodontal pockets that formed as a result of gum disease. You may need several or more deep dental cleanings a year to stop gum disease from getting worse.
In severe cases, laser gum surgery can zap away diseased tissue and allow your gums to heal and restore naturally. But the best way to treat it is to follow through with your dental care plan. If you get one treatment and then don’t follow through with oral hygiene practices at home, you’re only wasting your time and money. Managing gum disease is a life-long commitment.
Gum Disease Treatment in Sciota, Pennsylvania
If you have gum disease, the best course of action is to see the dentist for treatment. There is still time to preserve your oral health and your smile. To learn more about gum disease or which treatment is best for you, contact Quiet Valley Dental by calling (570) 992-7040.
