Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
According to data from the American Diabetes Association, as of 2021, more than 11% of the population of the United States had been diagnosed with diabetes. Meanwhile, gum disease affects more than half of American adults over the age of 30. Did you know that these two ailments are linked? Read on as, today on the blog, your Greeneville dentist explains the relationship between gum disease and diabetes.
How are gum disease and diabetes linked?
If you have diabetes and struggle to maintain appropriate glucose levels, this can elevate your risk for developing gum disease by as much as 300%. Conversely, gum disease is a bacterial infection that inflames the tissue of the gums. This inflammation can become systemic, increasing your risk for diabetes.
The correlation between these two diseases does not end there. Diabetes can impede the production of saliva, a natural means of protection for your mouth against tooth decay. Being diabetic also may elevate the glucose levels in your saliva, increasing the populations of bacteria and plaque in your mouth that can be cavity-causing fuel.’
Know the signs of gum disease
Millions of people live without proper diagnosis of their diabetes or gum disease. That’s why it’s important to know the warning signs of gum disease.
These symptoms include:
- Having gums that are red, swollen, tender or bleed easily
- Permanent teeth that are loose
- Noticing an increased space or spaces between your teeth
- Frequent dry mouth
- Halitosis, also known as persistent bad breath
Can proper oral care prevent diabetes?
You can lower your risk of becoming diabetic by eating a well-balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle. Diligent oral care also can lower your risk. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily, as recommended by the American Dental Association, lowers your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
One of your greatest assets in the fight against both gum disease and diabetes is preventive care provided by your dentist. If you’re diabetic, it’s especially important that you stick to the recommended schedule of seeing your dentist every six months for a checkup. These appointments lower the population of cavity-causing bacteria and plaque in your mouth. At Tusculum Dental Care, each of these checkups includes a thorough examination for the warning signs of gum disease, or indicators that you may have diabetes.
Periodontal treatment in Greeneville, Erwin and Jonesborough,Tennessee
If you are one of the millions of Americans living with gum disease, the team at Tusculum Dental Care can help. We offer a comprehensive program of periodontal treatment that includes repetitive therapy, laser therapy or a combination of the two. It’s important to remember that gum disease is a serious condition that must be treated by a qualified medical professional. Hoping it will just go away on its own is the worst decision you can make. If you have gum disease, diabetes, or you’re experiencing warning signs of one of the two conditions, schedule your consultation at Tusculum Dental Care today. Just call (423) 639-7575 or contact us online.