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Diabetes and Gum Disease

Those who are dealing with Diabetes should know that elevating blood sugars increases the risk of developing gum disease also can be more severe and take a longer time to heal.

Likewise, Gum disease and the body’s response to gum infections can make it harder to keep blood sugar levels in control. To keep your gums healthy, you need to brush after each meal and floss then rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash daily.

How can diabetes affect my mouth?

Glucose is present in your saliva diabetes is not controlled, high glucose levels in your saliva help harmful bacteria grow.

These bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film, Plaque.  Some types of plaque cause tooth decay or cavities. Other types of plaque cause gum disease and bad breath.

On the other hand, Diabetes causes blood vessel changes. The thickened blood vessels can reduce the flow of nutrients and this reduced blood flow can weaken the gums and bone which puts them at a greater risk for infection.

Infections from untreated periodontal disease can cause the blood sugar to rise and make it harder to control diabetes. Some of the first signs of gum disease are swollen, tender,  or bleeding gums. Sometimes you won’t have any signs of gum disease. You may not know you have it until you have serious damage.

Your best defense is to see your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.