Diabetes And Your Gums
After five years of writing about diabetes, I still think gum care is among the most important and least appreciated aspects of self-management. Studies keep showing how gum (periodontal) disease and diabetes make each other worse. So are you flossing yet? Severe gum disease (periodontitis) can cause diabetes. According to researchers at Marquette University, “Periodontitis may [raise levels of inflammatory cytokines and serum lipids]… These cytokines can produce an insulin resistance syndrome similar to that observed in diabetes and initiate destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to development of diabetes.” Just as gum disease contributes to diabetes, having diabetes worsens gum conditions. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), “Periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.” The link between diabetes and gum disease is that both cause inflammation, not just locally, but through the whole body. Inflammatory cytokines like interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inflame blood vessels, creating small scars. Soon the vessels block up with plaque. These blockage are linked with heart disease, kidney disease, and strokes, all major complications of diabetes. A study from Bangalore, India looked at 200 people, half of whom had recent strokes or heart attacks. Researchers controlled for family history of stroke, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension, total serum cholesterol level, and education level. Those with worse gums (pocket depths greater than 4.5 millimeters) had far higher risk of strokes. Along with inflammation, infection of the gums creates a vicious diabetes circle. Gum infection Continue reading >>
Living With Diabetes Teeth And Gum Problems To Be Aware Of
Comments Off on Living with Diabetes Teeth and Gum Problems to be Aware of One of the most common sedentary lifestyle diseases affecting very many Americans today is diabetes. When discussing the side effects of diabetes, a lot people often concentrate on the sugar related implications and oversee a very important problem associated with diabetes- dental disease. Unknown to many, diabetes puts patients at a very high risk of getting dental problems. The sugar related problems extend every part of the body and teeth are not an exception. If you are suffering from diabetes therefore, you should be weary of teeth and gum problems. Here are some of the most common teeth and gum problems associated with diabetes and how you can stay clear of the said problems; Gum diseases One of the most common problems associated with diabetes is the gum disease. Gum disease takes two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is less serious, but can develop into periodontitis if left untreated for a very long period of time. In addition to cutting off blood to the gums, diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, putting the gums at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation caused by the bacteria in the form of plaque. The main symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is important to contact your dentist as soon as these symptoms develop so the problem can be addressed. Untreated gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which affects the tissue and bones that support your teeth. Periodontal disease is a more serious infection and healing will take a lot of time.Periodontal disease is characterized with redness of the gums, soreness of the gum area and sometimes bad breath. If the complication is not addressed on time it eventu Continue reading >>
Diabetes & Oral Health
The most common oral health problems affecting people with diabetes are Gum disease Dry mouth Tooth decay Thrush Mouth ulcers Taste disturbances Gum abscesses (an infection of the tooth and or gums) Why do people with diabetes have a greater risk of oral health problems? Poor blood glucose control leads to bacteria growth (bacteria loves the sweet environment) and increases the risk of infections. Dry mouth can also occur when blood glucose levels are high. Medications for diabetes, blood pressure, heart problems and anti-depressants may cause dry mouth and taste disturbance, such as a metallic taste. Smokers have a much higher risk of gum disease and may also contribute to having a dry mouth. Hypo treatments such as sweetened fizzy drinks and lollies can lead to tooth decay. Important tips to help prevent oral health problems Keep blood glucose levels within target (if you are unsure of what your target levels should be, talk to your diabetes educator, diabetes specialist or GP) Follow a healthy diet (if you need help with this, see your local Accredited Practicing Dietitian) Clean your teeth and gums twice a day with tooth paste that contains fluoride. It is also a good idea to gently brush your tongue each day to remove bacteria and keep your mouth fresh and healthy. Use dental floss or interdental cleaners every day to clean between your teeth. Avoid a dry mouth by drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. Biotene has a range of dry mouth products that may help Don't smoke. If you treat a hypo, it is important to brush your teeth half an hour later to remove sugar from your teeth and prevent decay and cavities See your dentist every six months (even if you wear dentures, you are still at risk of gum disease). Publication/Sou Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Oral Health Problems
Diabetes causes many health problems, and that's a fact. But what about the connection between diabetes and oral health problems? Is there even a connection worth talking about? Yes, there is a connection and we are going to talk about this connection. So sit back, relax, and continue reading. Diabetes, tooth loss, and other dental problems Tooth decay is a serious issue for those with diabetes. If you have high or elevated blood glucose, you're actually feeding the bacteria that produces harmful acids. Then the acids erode healthy tooth enamel, which in turn causes tooth decay and possible tooth loss. Actually, a study reported on this webpage indicated a link between diabetes and tooth loss. Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, said (regarding the study), "They did indeed find there was a clear connection between tooth loss and diabetes, especially among African Americans.” It’s a fact that diabetics can lose up to twice as many teeth as those who don’t have diabetes. Unfortunately, “very few doctors” are following the American Diabetes Association’s recommendations to refer diabetic patients to a dentist, according to a lead researcher, Bei Wu who is also a professor of nursing and global health at Duke University in Durham, NC (reported on this webpage: Doctors should understand that diabetic patients need to practice routine dental care. Diabetes and gum disease According to 2014 statistics, nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes, and there is an "increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes, adding serious gum disease to the list of other complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease." Furthermore, research indicates that "gum disease progresses more than Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Dental Care
Diabetes Puts Teeth and Gums More at Risk Probably the greatest impact of diabetes on dental health is that it can leave people more prone to gum disease. Most people in the population will experience or encounter some degree of gum disease (to a greater or lesser extent) throughout life. Gum disease is caused by oral bacteria. Poor glycaemic control as a complication of diabetes can make gum disease worse because it changes the immune response to these bacteria. This is especially so if someone has exposure to high glucose levels before diagnosis or starting treatment for their diabetes. Gum disease may just affect your teeth and gums, but can also be more widespread affecting your overall general health and glycaemic control. In its earliest form (gingivitis), it causes the gums to be inflamed so that they bleed on brushing and flossing. In its more progressive and advanced form (periodontitis), it causes bone and tooth loss by destroying the tissues that support and hold your teeth in place. Gum disease may also be associated with an increased risk of other diabetes complications such as cardiovascular (heart disease), cerebrovas cular (blood vessels supplying the brain) or peripheral vascular (obstruction of arteries outside the heart and brain) problems. A new Dental Cover Scheme for you and your Family DeCare Dental and ERM bring you a new dental insurance scheme that could help you not only save money on your dental bills but also to be more proactive about your dental health. Find out more at the end of this page. ERM Financial Services from DeCare Dental Insurance Ireland on Vimeo. How do I know if I have gum disease? You may not notice any symptoms of gum disease as it is usually silent and progressive. You may have gum disease if you have ever noticed or have Continue reading >>
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Diabetes And Oral Health: What Your Dentist Sees
It’s no secret that diabetes is a health condition that must be treated because of the problems it can cause throughout the body—including in your mouth. Consider that nearly 26 million children and adults in the U.S. who, according to the American Diabetes Association, have diabetes. Greenville dentist, Dr. Bean wants you to know the side effects diabetes can have on oral health. When people with diabetes experience high glucose levels, those levels could also be helping bacteria thrive—causing major problems for their teeth. Some diabetics have chronic inflammation and infections in their mouths. Because of the risk, it’s important that diabetics take extra special care of their teeth. People with diabetes have special oral care needs, so it’s vital that you share this information with your dentist. Common dental conditions associated with diabetes are tooth decay, gum disease, saliva gland dysfunction, infection, delayed healing and more. Everyone—especially those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, should: Be extra vigilant about brushing and flossing regularly Watch for signs or symptoms of oral disease and report them to your dentist Visit Complete Dental Care regularly and tell them that you have diabetes Keep your blood glucose as normal as possible Some signs and symptoms include: Tender gums Gums that bleed easily Swollen gums Pus between the teeth when the gums are pressed Consistent bad breath Consistent bad taste in the mouth A bite that feels different Thrush Poor healing Dry mouth For more information, give us a call to make an appointment and visit this American Diabetes Association FAQ. Continue reading >>
Prevent Diabetes Problems, Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy
What are diabetes problems?Too much glucose in the blood for a long time causes diabetes problems. This high blood glucose can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. Diabetes problems can be scary, but there is a lot you can do to prevent them or slow them down. Use this page to learn about tooth and gum problems caused by diabetes. You will learn the things you can do each day and during each year to stay healthy and prevent diabetes problems. Back to Back to Top What should I do each day to stay healthy with diabetes? Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietitian have worked out. Eat your meals and snacks at around the same times each day. Check your blood glucose every day. Each time you check your blood glucose, write the number in your record book. Call your doctor if your numbers are too high or too low for 2 to 3 days. Back to Top How can diabetes hurt my teeth and gums? Tooth and gum problems can happen to anyone. A sticky film full of germs (also called plaque [PLAK]) builds up on your teeth. High blood glucose helps germs (bacteria) grow. Then you can get red, sore and swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. People with diabetes can have tooth and gum problems more often if their blood glucose stays high. High blood glucose can make tooth and gum problems worse. You can even lose your teeth. Smoking makes it more likely for you to get a bad case of gum disease, especially if you have diabetes and are age 45 or older. Red, sore and bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease. This can lead to periodontitis (PER-ee-oh-don-TY-tis). Periodontitis is an infection in the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. If the infection gets worse, your gums may pull away from your teeth, mak Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Oral Health
Diabetes can cause serious tooth and gum problems. Diabetes affects 1 in 10 people in the United States and can lead to vision loss, kidney damage, high blood pressure and problems with feet and hands. People with diabetes are also far more at risk for periodontal disease than the general population, and experience almost 3 times the rate of tooth and gum problems. Research suggests that diabetes is the primary systemic risk factor for periodontal disease. People with diabetes are often aware of the importance of podiatric (foot) and opthalmic (vision) screenings, but many do not realize the two-way relationship between oral health and diabetes. Tooth loss, for example, is up to two times more frequent in people with diabetes than non-diabetics. Periodontal disease can affect insulin sensitivity, lead to unhealthy blood sugar levels and damage the bone and gum that hold your teeth in place. So if you have diabetes, paying special attention to your oral health can not only improve your quality of life and overall health, but it can also save you money. Statistics show that receiving dental care reduces average medical costs by about $2800 per year. Dental Tips for People with Diabetes The good news is that you can keep your teeth and gums healthy. By following our simple tips, you can help prevent some serious problems in your mouth. Take control of your blood glucose. Develop a healthy eating plan and get regular exercise if you’re able. Try to eat consistently. Focus your attention on carbs, portion control, and eating lots of fiber and non-starchy vegetables. Brush, floss, rinse and chew. We call these the Daily 4. Brush your teeth for two minutes two times daily. Floss your teeth before bed. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after meals. And chew gum to help Continue reading >>
Mouth Problems Could Signal Diabetes
One in three people with diabetes don’t even know they have it. But untreated, high blood sugar can threaten your heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys. High blood sugar also affects your mouth. Three oral symptoms could be the first signs that you need to be screened for diabetes: Bad breath. Diabetes is one of several diseases that can cause bad breath. A person with diabetes also may develop fruit-smelling breath. This means the body is struggling to throw off excess chemicals, which could be very dangerous. Dry mouth. People with undiagnosed diabetes may feel especially thirsty. Dry mouth also can cause contribute to bad breath and tooth decay. Sore gums or teeth. Sore, swollen, or bleeding gums could signal the start of gum disease. Gum disease happens more often in people with diabetes. The gums and the bone that holds teeth in place can become infected. If gum disease worsens, the gums could pull away from the teeth. Teeth might look longer or feel sensitive. If you’re having oral problems, put your money where your mouth is. Make an appointment with your dentist or doctor, and ask whether you could have diabetes. “How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?” Know Your Teeth, Academy of General Dentistry, January 2012. Accessed 2013. “Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Mouth Healthy.” National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, May 10, 2012. Accessed 2013. Accessed 2013. “Bad Breath.” Mouth Healthy, American Dental Association. Accessed 2013. Continue reading >>
Living With Diabetes: Teeth And Gum Problems To Be Aware Of
New research reported in HealthDay News says that one in five people who suffer from gum disease are also type-2 diabetics. The severe gum disease caused by diabetes is called periodontitis. This disease causes gum infections that result in swollen gums and deterioration of the bones that support your teeth. If you have diabetes, it's harder to fight off infections and inflammation, so daily brushing and flossing is critical for a healthy mouth. Signs of Poor Oral Health Fruit-like odor from mouth Inflamed gums Receding gums Bleeding gums Painful chewing How Gum Disease Can Lead to Other Health Problems The reason gum disease is such a problem for diabetics is that their blood sugar levels are often high. This causes sugar to appear in saliva, as well. The sugar is a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes gum disease. For diabetics, gum disease can lead to other health problems like heart disease, risk of stroke and respiratory diseases. The reason this happens is if it hurts to chew, your food choices are limited. This results in poor nutrition that often leads to erratic blood glucose levels. Good Oral Hygiene Tips for Diabetics According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting gum disease under control can actually lower blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes. Follow these simple oral hygiene tips to help you lower your risk of gum disease: Work with your doctor to regulate your blood sugar. Make sure you brush and floss every day. Let your dentist know if you're diabetic. Visit your dentist every six months. If you notice swollen gums, consult your dentist. Quit smoking if you're a smoker. Dr. JoAnn Gurenlien of the American Dental Hygienist's Association recommends that anyone with diabetes should visit the dentist twice per year, as wel Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Oral Care
Many people who have diabetes are unaware of it. What they also don’t know is that a routine dental exam can uncover the presence of this disease. Dentists play an important role in spotting undiagnosed diabetes and helping to manage the dental effects of the disease. Early detection is important because when left untreated, diabetes can lead to a number of serious health complications, including kidney disease, heart disease and stroke, nerve damage, blindness, and death. How is diabetes related to oral health? Diabetes is a risk factor for developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. That's because a diabetic's high blood sugar levels lead to greater levels of sugars and acids in the mouth. Diabetic people may experience more severe gum disease because diabetes lowers the body's ability to resist infection and slows healing. At the same time, gum disease can make diabetes more difficult to control. Gum disease is an infection that can make it harder to control blood sugar levels throughout the body. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. How many Americans have diabetes? Statistics from the American Diabetes Association indicate that 17 million people in the United States have diabetes and that more than five million people are not aware that they have the disease. In addition, 54 million people may be pre-diabetic. What are the symptoms of oral health disease in diabetics? Early symptoms of gum and teeth infections in diabetic persons are decreased saliva, dry mouth, and a burning mouth or tongue. Diabetes may cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and eventually loosen and fall out. What dental care is recommended for diabetics? Good oral health care is especially important for people with diabetes and those w Continue reading >>
Blood Glucose & Your Teeth
"People with diabetes who keep their blood glucose levels in a target range have no more dental problems than the rest of the population," says Dr. Carol Alexopoulos, a dentist who practices in Toronto, Ontario. "However, those with poorly managed blood glucose levels have a decrease in saliva and an increase in salivary sugar, which leads to dry mouth, ulcers, fungal infections, increased tooth decay, loss of teeth, and difficulty wearing dentures,” explains Dr. Alexopoulos. Insufficient moisture can cause both dry mouth and a burning sensation on your tongue. This lack of moisture can eventually lead to an irritation of the entire lining of the mouth, since normal volumes of saliva actually protect your teeth from cavities and make chewing and speech comfortable. If you wear dentures and develop a feeling of dry mouth, you may find them irritating and more difficult to wear. In addition, poorly managed blood glucose (sugar) levels can lead to: Severe toothaches due to impaired circulation to your teeth. If you cannot eat solid food because chewing is difficult, try alternatives such as milk, soup, cereals, pudding, or fruit juices to replace your carbohydrate allowance. More severe gum disease and at an earlier age. Thickening of the small blood vessels of the gingiva (gums) which can lead to infection of the gum and bone tissues. Periodontal disease that, in turn, can make it hard to manage blood glucose (sugar) levels. Because periodontal disease is an infection, bacteria produce toxins that affect the carbohydrate metabolism in individual cells. It is also thought that the host response to periodontal bacteria can increase insulin resistance and, therefore, blood glucose (sugar) levels. Continue reading >>
Living With Diabetes: Teeth And Gum Problems
Diabetes can lead to a whole host of health problems, but did you know that it can also put you at risk for dental issues? The implications of high blood sugar extend to every part of the body — including teeth and gums. When it comes to diabetes, teeth and gum problems are something you need to be aware of. Diabetes: Teeth and Gum Problems to Look Out For Here are few of the ways diabetes can wreak havoc on your mouth, and how you can prevent this damage from occurring if you are one of the 21.9 million people in the U.S. who suffer from diabetes. Gum Disease Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums, which increases the risk for gum disease. This risk is amplified if you had poor dental health prior to being diagnosed with diabetes. Gum disease takes two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is less serious, but can develop into periodontitis if left untreated. In addition to cutting off blood to the gums, diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, putting the gums at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation caused by the bacteria in the form of plaque. The longer plaque remains on your teeth, the more it irritates the gingiva — the part of your gums around the base of your teeth. The main symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is important to contact your dentist as soon as these symptoms develop so the problem can be addressed. Untreated gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which affects the tissue and bones that support your teeth. In addition to red bleeding gums, other symptoms include bad breath that won’t go away and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth. This in turn caus Continue reading >>
Diabetes Linked To Tooth Decay
Research has found a link between diabetes and dental problems…. Doctors say that diabetics are more prone to periodontal diseases. More than 70% of diabetic patients suffer from a periodontal problem. Research has found a link between diabetes and dental problems. Doctors say that diabetics are more prone to periodontal diseases. According to the results of the study, periodontal disease makes it harder for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. “Research on 113 Indians suffering from diabetes showed that after treating periodontal infections, it became easier to manage their diabetes,” said Dr. D. Gopalakrishnan, secretary general of the international clinical dental research organization. Dental expert Dr. Vikas Goud explains the connection between the two: “In diabetic patients, due to the slow glucose metabolism rate and low immunity, high glucose level in the saliva leads to bacterial infection, resulting in diabetic oral manifestations like swollen gums. The insulin, which would have helped in glucose metabolism, is now used to fight infections. Therefore, the sugar level goes up further, posing a risk to diabetic patients. Once the sugar level comes down, again the swollen gums become normal.” More than 70% of diabetic patients suffer from a periodontal problem. Dr. Sudheer Chowdhury, dental surgeon at Ameerpet Dental Hospital, Hyderabad, says the symptoms to look out for are bleeding while brushing teeth, swollen puffy gums, bad breath, tooth problems that require frequent use of tooth-picks and wobbly teeth. Journal of Periodontology Aug, 2011 Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Periodontal (gum) Disease
Diabetes that is not properly controlled can lead to periodontal (gum) diseases in both young and old people. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place. Because of blood vessel changes that happen with diabetes, the efficiency of the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes from body tissues may become impaired. This impaired blood flow can weaken the gums and bone. This makes them more susceptible to infection. In addition, if diabetes is poorly controlled, higher glucose levels in the mouth fluids will encourage the growth of bacteria that can cause gum disease. Poor blood sugar control decreases the ability of the immune system to fight infections. On the other hand, uncontrolled periodontal disease may also make it more difficult to control the diabetes. A third factor, smoking, is harmful to oral health even for people without diabetes. However, a person with diabetes who smokes is at a much greater risk for gum disease than a person who does not have diabetes. Paired with poor oral hygiene, diabetes can lead to gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease, or to periodontitis, severe gum disease. What are the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease? The following are the most common signs and symptoms of gum disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Signs and symptoms may include: Red, swollen, tender gums Bleeding while brushing and/or flossing Receding gums Loose or separating teeth Persistent bad breath Dentures that no longer fit Pus between the teeth and gums A change in bite and jaw alignment The signs and symptoms of gum disease may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Talk with a dentist or other oral health specialist for a diagnosis. What are the different types of Continue reading >>
