National Diabetes week

06/14/2017

National Diabetes Week

This week is Diabetes awareness week with special attention to Type 2 Diabetes which can be effected by lifestyle choices such as Diet, smoking and weight control.

Loads of information on how to help yourself can be found on www.diabetes.or.uk.

Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the lesser-known complications that can affect people with diabetes.

It is estimated that one in three people with diabetes suffer from gum disease, known as periodontitis, at some point in their life.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a very common infection that develops when dental plaque builds in the mouth and sits of the surface of the tooth.

Dental plaque is a sticky white coating formed by food, bacteria and saliva, which builds up throughout the day. The aim of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque, but if plaque is not removed this can create toxins which irritate the gums.

Regular brushing is essential to prevent plaque build-up, otherwise a gum inflammation called gingivitis may develop, eventually leading to gum disease.

If you have bleeding when brushing your teeth, bad breath, red swollen gums, painful gums, receding gums or loose teeth, this could be indicative of gum disease.

Untreated gum disease can lead to difficulty eating, loose teeth and ultimately tooth loss.

What does gum disease have to do with diabetes?

Poorly managed blood sugar levels can lead to or accelerate the development of periodontal diseases in both children and adults by causing elevated levels of glucose in the saliva. This then creates a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and dental decay.

Periodontitis can also work the other way: severe gum disease can negatively affect your long-term blood sugar control and raise your chances of suffering from other common long-term complications of diabetes.

The European Foundation of Periodontology recommends that following a diagnosis of diabetes you should inform your dentist and undergo a comprehensive dental check up.

People with diabetes should have regular dental check-ups, including a review of your gum health. If your dentist or hygienist detects gum disease, they can help you with your initial management. The diet control that is essential to reverse Type 2 diabetes also has a very positive effect on the health of our mouth.

Our Hygiene department and oral health promoters are alway keen to help you with any advice or motivation.