Did you know???
Diabetes can
help contribute to dental health issues? If you are an adult with type 1
or type 2 diabetes, and your blood sugar control is sometimes not as
good as your doctor wants it to be, you could be at greater risk for
developing oral health problems. One of these potential threats includes
a serious type of gum infection called periodontal disease that can
lead to the loss teeth. Diabetes may lower your ability to fight the
germs that cause periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.
Periodontal Disease and Blood Glucose
Periodontal
or gum disease is a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss
and might prevent you from achieving the nutritional goals set by your
doctor or diabetes educator. If not detected by a dentist or hygienist
or if left untreated, periodontal disease can cause an infection that
destroys the bone supporting your teeth. As the gum disease progresses,
symptoms might include tooth loosening or shifting, bad breath or
bleeding gums. Periodontal disease can worsen blood glucose control and
vice versa. If your blood glucose is high or fluctuates, you are at risk
of developing severe periodontal disease.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Red and swollen gums.
- Gums that bleed are not healthy. Even if your gums bleed only when you brush too hard, ANY sign of bleeding is not normal.
- White or yellow pus around gums.
- Teeth that are longer and gums that have pulled away from teeth.
Consider the following questions:
- Have you ever noticed blood (red) on your toothbrush, on your food, or in your saliva?
- Do you have any loose teeth or teeth that have shifted on their own?
- Have you ever been told you had gum disease or had a tooth pulled because of gum disease?
- Do you use any tobacco products?
- Has it been over two years since you last saw a dentist?
- Is your hemoglobin A1c level greater than 7.0?
One or more responses of “yes” warrants a dental examination for periodontal disease.
If you have diabetes, be sure to pay special attention to your oral
care routine, because periodontal disease is preventable with proper
oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
(c)http://www.oralb.com/topics/diabetes-associated-with-periodontal-disease.aspx#1
