Could Your Diabetes Cause You To Develop Gum Disease?

The short answer to this question is yes! Your diabetes can increase your likelihood of developing gum disease and periodontal disease. In fact, out of the 25 million diabetics, one third will suffer from periodontal disease (an advanced and severe form of gum disease).

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease occurs when the plaque on your teeth isn’t brushed or flossed away properly. If the plaque is allowed to accumulate on your teeth for too long it will eventually harden into tartar. This tartar can irritate your gum tissue, causing bleeding, swelling, redness, and tenderness of the gums.

As your gum disease progresses, the tissues will begin to pull away from your teeth. This will form small pockets between the gums and the teeth, allowing the tartar, plaque, and other bacteria from the mouth to accumulate inside. This will cause infection, breaking down the ligaments and bone holding your teeth in place. Eventually, this will cause the teeth to loosen and fall out.

Diabetes

Because your diabetes makes you more vulnerable to infection (and can slow the process of healing if an infection does occur), you’re much more likely to see a small case of gum disease progress swiftly. This makes it all the more important that you visit our office at the first sign of gum disease. The more quickly we treat the disease, the less damage and pain you’ll experience.

At the end of the day, the best way to stave off gum or periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This is true for everyone, diabetics included. Your oral hygiene routine should consist of the following:

• Brush – Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums.
• Toothpaste – We recommend using fluoride toothpaste. You don’t need more than a pea-sized amount.
• Floss – It’s so important to floss at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to reach the plaque that can accumulate between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Dentist – The American Dental Association states that adults and children should visit the dentist every 6 months for a checkup and a dental cleaning. This visit also allows us to detect any potential problems early on.

By following the above hygiene routine, you increase your odds of having a healthy and beautiful smile. And at Auburn Family Dental, that’s our goal! To make an appointment with Dr. Behnaz Raisdana, please contact our Wichita, KS dental office today.