Are Gum Disease and Diabetes Related?

If you have type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to get gum disease than those people who don’t have it. In fact, according to the Journal of Periodontology, gum disease is the sixth complication of diabetes, and for those people whose diabetes is not under control, the risk is even greater.

When periodontal disease, or gum disease as it’s commonly called, becomes severe, it begins to increase blood sugar levels, and that increases the risk of diabetic complications. If you are a diabetic and have gum disease, you should contact a dentist in Columbus right away and let them help you get it under control.

Sometimes the gum disease comes first, as told by the same study in the Journal. They reported that in some instances gum disease predisposed people to developing the early warning signs of diabetes. What’s more, those who already had diabetes and developed gum disease found it more difficult to control their blood sugar levels.

All of this adds up to one thing: if you have any of the signs of gum disease, you should contact a cosmetic dentist in Columbus and let them begin treatment. If you don’t have any indicators, such as bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, persistent bad breath, or swelling in the gums around your teeth, then you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure that you keep your mouth clean and healthy. Here are some tips that a good restorative dentist in Columbus would offer:

• You should brush your teeth after every meal, and floss at least once a day.
• Make an appointment with your dentist every six months for a checkup and radiograph.
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned every four to six months.
• If you notice any of the signs listed above, make an appointment with your dentist right away. If you’re in the early stages of gum disease, it can be reversed with proper treatment.

A Columbus cosmetic dentist can examine your mouth and make any recommendations that will prevent you from developing this disease. And if you’re diabetic, it’s even more important for you to stay on top of your gum health.