Are You Diabetic? See Why You May Be At Risk For Gum Disease

Posted by clburke

If you’re one of the 25 million people in the US who suffers from diabetes, you may be at risk for gum disease. Today, Dr. Walden provides a symptom-checker to see if you have anything to worry about. Take a look, and then give us a call at 480-755-1661 in Chandler.

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 8.5% of Americans battle diabetes. Another 79 million Americans are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, the ADA says. This disease costs Americans a combined total of $245 billion. If you’re one of the millions who suffer, you understand how diabetes can affect your health. But did you know diabetes can help contribute to dental health issues, too?

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.

Do you fit any of these risk factors? Click here to see some of the services that Walden Dentistry offers for treating periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

So what are the symptoms associated with gum disease? Here are the most common indications that your gums are in need of a check-up.

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.

The Gum Disease Symptom Checker:
If you’re worried, we have a quick, simple test for seeing if you should visit the dentist soon. Ask yourself each of these 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. We will talk to you about your symptoms, examine your mouth and teeth, and perhaps schedule an X-ray. Don’t be nervous though– we are Chandler’s leader when it comes to patient comfort.

What Does Treatment Look Like?

The main goal of treatment for gum disease is controlling any sort of infection before it spreads to the rest of your mouth. We do everything we can to help you avoid surgery, including the most advanced periodontal therapy techniques that will reduce infection and kick-start the healing process. Using cameras, antibiotic gels, and ultrasonic scalers, we help strengthen your teeth to regrow lost periodontal support.

Diabetes has affected your health enough already. It’s time to take control of your periodontal health. Walden Dentistry can help. Give us a call in Chandler at 480-755-1661 to discuss your options.