The Link Between Diabetes and Gum Disease in Sydney
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The concern with the condition is that it affects various parts of the body and can lead to serious health conditions that may seem otherwise unrelated. At Northern Beaches Dental, we believe that awareness and education is the best way to manage diabetes and ensure that patients can live a fulfilling life. In this blog, we discuss the link between diabetes and gum disease, how oral health affects diabetes and the ways in which a gum infection can be treated.
How Does Diabetes Impact Gum Health?
Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health. It regulates the pH balance in the mouth, washes away acids produced by bad bacteria and flushes out food debris from hard to reach corners of the mouth. Diabetes and certain diabetes medications may interfere with saliva production and increase the amount of glucose in your saliva. Lack of saliva can lead to dry mouth syndrome, which allows bad bacteria to grow, and a high glucose content can lead to increased plaque, which is directly responsible for infected gums and severe tooth decay.
Statistics indicate that a large percentage of diabetes patients over 50 suffer from severe dental conditions and tooth loss.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Here are some of the most commonly detected gum disease symptoms:
● Persistently swollen and sore gums
● Bleeding while brushing normally or flossing
● Receding gum line
● Teeth that feel loose or wobbly
● Chronic bad breath
● Pus formation around teeth and gums
● Significant alteration in jaw alignment
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact Northern Beaches Dental today for a thorough assessment and diagnosis.
Gum Disease Treatment
The type of treatment recommended by your dentist will depend on the severity of the gum infection. Age, the severity of your diabetes and other health factors play a role in the kind of treatment most likely to benefit you.
Deep Cleaning
In most cases, thorough cleaning of tartar and plaque from beneath the gums can help address early signs of gum disease. Deep cleaning smooths out the surfaces of the gum line and allows the gum to reattach to teeth and cover up gaps.
Medicine
Infected gums can be treated using targeted antibiotics prescribed by a dentist.
Surgery
Advanced cases of gum disease may require surgical intervention. A dental surgeon will first clean the badly infected area and use special tools or procedures to reshape the gums, help gums regenerate or perform a soft tissue graft.
Effective Treatment for Periodontal Disease in NSW
Contact Northern Beaches Dental today for cutting-edge dental treatments in NSW for gum disease, and research backed advice on how to manage oral conditions caused by diabetes.