{"id":92,"date":"2015-12-04T22:23:47","date_gmt":"2015-12-04T22:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.gellerdentistry.com\/?p=6"},"modified":"2015-12-04T22:23:47","modified_gmt":"2015-12-04T22:23:47","slug":"the-facts-on-diabetes-and-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gellerdentistry.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/the-facts-on-diabetes-and-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"The Facts on Diabetes and Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to severe periodontal disease, patients with diabetes are a heightened risk for developing serious infections and experiencing detrimental gum tissue and bone density reduction. It\u2019s important to make sure your dentist knows about your condition so we can take special care during your twice annual dental exams and cleanings. It may even be recommended you see the dentist more often for cleanings to reduce the chance of oral complications.<\/p>\n

Diabetes and Gum Health<\/h3>\n

Patients who suffer from gum disease know the difficulties they face when it comes to avoiding and fighting infection. Gum disease<\/a> is one form of infection that diabetes sufferers should be acutely aware of in order to protect their dental and overall health. Periodontal (gum) disease occurs when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria and sugar) adheres to the teeth at and below the gum line. This acidic film irritates soft tissue causing a mild form of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. Left untreated, irritated gums develop sores, and these sores become infected. This is a more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Because diabetes impedes the body\u2019s natural healing process, diabetics who suffer from periodontitis are more likely than non-diabetic suffers to experience tooth loss, jawbone density degradation, and serious health risks such as blood clots and heart disease.<\/p>\n

The research is inconclusive on whether diabetes causes gum disease, but there is an undeniable link between the two chronic illnesses<\/a>. One possible causal relationship pointed to by recent studies is dry mouth. A side effect of many diabetes medications and diabetes itself, dry mouth allows more bacterial growth since saliva is the body\u2019s natural bacteria neutralizer. Insulin resistance and gum disease have also been linked since the body\u2019s ability to breakdown and properly utilize key nutrients begins in the mouth. Increased levels of sugar in the body raise the acidity of bacteria in the mouth, and thus, make it more difficult for saliva to neutralize the acidic plaque.<\/p>\n

Tips for Diabetics with Gum Disease<\/h3>\n