Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Those with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place.

Possible signs and symptoms of gum disease include tender gums, bleeding while brushing, receding gums, loose/separating teeth, persistent bad breath, dentures that no longer fit, a change in bite alignment, and pus between the teeth and gums.

How does diabetes affect my gums?
The blood vessel changes caused by diabetes often disturb the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes from tissues all over the body. This weakens the gums, making them more susceptible to infection.

The two diseases often go hand-in-hand. Higher glucose levels in a diabetic’s saliva encourage the growth of bacteria. Meanwhile, uncontrolled periodontal disease may make it more difficult to control diabetes.

What can I do?
If you have diabetes, it’s very important to follow your doctor’s orders to keep it under control. In particular, smoking (which is always harmful to overall health) puts diabetics at a much greater risk of developing gum disease and should absolutely be avoided.

The dentists at Vacendak Dentistry are part of your diabetes management team. Let us know about any changes in your health or medications during each visit. Additionally, sharing diabetes test results can help us better manage your dental care.

The Vacendak Difference
When you come to Vacendak, you’ll see we have a holistic approach to dental care. We look at more than just your teeth and gums; we look at your overall health.

Experience the Vacendak Difference today. Vacendak Dentistry’s convenient Chesapeake, Virginia location is just a short way from both the Kempsville and Greenbrier areas. Contact us online or call the office at 757-609-3510 to set up an initial dental consultation.

Source: Hopkinsmedicine.org