The Link Between Diabetes and Gum Disease

November 30, 2015

 

Gum disease is a serious health concern that affects more than your teeth. Gum disease comes in two forms – the beginning stages, referred to as gingivitis, and the more serious stage also called periodontitis. As periodontal disease develops, the gums become infected and inflamed, and may eventually form pockets that hold bacteria and infection. Those with periodontitis may bleed when flossing or brushing, report serious pain in the gums or even lose their teeth.

Gum disease dangers reach much further than just the mouth – gum disease is also linked to serious health conditions like diabetes. In this case, it’s a two-way sword – gum disease can worsen diabetic complications, while diabetes can make periodontitis worse. Fortunately, those who control their diabetes are not at any higher risk for gum disease than another.

How to Fight Gum Disease

If you are brushing and flossing regularly, and seeing a dentist or periodontist in Traverse, MI twice a year for check-ups, you are well on your way to stopping the disease before it starts. Unfortunately, some patients may still deal with periodontitis or gingivitis, regardless of how well they care for their teeth. We have a few tips that can help you fight gum disease from your own home.

• Gently floss between the teeth with a piece of floss that is close to 18 inches long
• Never snap floss against your gums
• Rinse immediately after flossing with water
• Avoid scrubbing the teeth as you are brushing
• Use a soft toothbrush with rounded ends on the bristle
• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
• Always brush the tongue to remove excess germs from the mouth

Even when your teeth look or feel clean, plaque can hide and is difficult to see by the naked eye. This highlights the importance of seeing a professional regularly to ensure that your oral health is where it should be.

Give Us a Call

If you need to see a professional, or have additional questions about gum disease call Dr. Amalfitano’s office today for an appointment at 231-480-4377.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

• 5 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

  Most people only think about going to the dentist when they see their six-month check-up on the calendar. However, you may not want to wait until your next appointment if you experience concerning symptoms related to your gums and teeth. As Dr. Kaz Zymantas, a Naperville, IL dentist from Premier Dental often tells patients, dental […]

• What Are the Different Types of Tooth Pain?

  Have you ever over-exercised and strained yourself a bit? You might feel some dull aches in your hamstrings or biceps. However, if you actually tear a muscle, the discomfort will be more intense and indicative of something that requires a physician. In the same way, tooth pain is not a one-size-fits-all term. Naperville, IL dentist […]

• Improve Your Mouth, Improve Yourself

  Dr. Kaz Zymantas and our team at Premier Dental want to help people all over the Naperville, IL area improve themselves during national “Self Improvement Month!” And one of the best ways to give your self-esteem and entire body a boost is through a regular dental visit! Dentistry can help improve the look and function […]

• How to Handle Dental Emergencies

  Most people know how to respond to a bodily injury like a soft tissue cut or broken bone. But do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Depending on the situation, you can reduce the risk of damage or tooth loss if you take action. Learn from Dr. Kaz Zymantas, our dentist, on how […]

• What Are Space Maintainers?

  Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They provide your children with the ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for healthy bodies and self-esteem. They also hold the space for permanent teeth, so that when they erupt, there is room for them to grow in. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it […]

• Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

  Your teeth are more important than you might realize. A beautiful, healthy smile not only helps you look younger, it helps you feel better. With healthy teeth, you can eat an unrestricted diet and get the nutrients you need. Your teeth also stimulate your jaw bone, staving off osteoporosis. Dr. Kaz Zyantas stresses the importance […]

• Quiz: All About Wisdom Teeth

  How much do you know about wisdom teeth? Even though everyone has them, there is a surprising amount of misinformation, especially surrounding their maintenance and extraction. As a dentist who removes wisdom teeth, in Naperville, IL, Dr. Kaz Zymantas frequently dispels myths about these “third molars”. Take our quiz to find out if you are […]

• Children’s Root Canals

  Even baby teeth can become infected. When the core of your child’s tooth is diseased or injured, the entire tooth does not need to be extracted. Dr. Carolyn B. Cromwell recommends pulpotomy for her Avon, OH, patients. A pulpotomy is a treatment, like a root canal, which saves the tooth but removes the infection and […]

• The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

  You may have always heard that orthodontic appointments don’t need to start until your child is old enough for braces. But did you know that early orthodontic visits (and treatments) can make the entire process smoother and more effective? It has to do with the growth and development of children’s jaws and baby teeth. Catching […]

• The Risks of Living With Gum Disease

   Gum disease is an oral health issue that plagues around half of the adult population of the United States. Even if you are meticulous about your home oral hygiene, you are still at risk for developing gum disease. While Dr. Ann Mineo Kania and the staff at the office of Ann Mineo Kania, DDS, DMSc […]