November is more than just Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It is also American Diabetes Month. Twenty-six million Americans suffer from the disease. While many of the medical risks associated with the condition are well known, people may not know just how seriously diabetes can affect oral health. Your Celina dentist, Dr. Newton, talks about what symptoms diabetics should look for, and what course of treatment they should take.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
Diabetics are very prone to serious periodontal disease (gum disease). Gum disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth attacking and destroying the gum tissue. Diabetics are more susceptible to bacterial infection than non-diabetics, and thus are more susceptible to bacteria invading their mouths. Left unchecked, gum disease can eventually destroy the gums around the teeth, which causes teeth to become loose and even fall out, or require extraction. Diabetics must make sure they keep up with good oral health habits, including daily brushing and flossing, and maintaining a twice-yearly checkup schedule with their dentist. It is vital that diabetic patients keep their dentists informed of their condition. Dentists know what to look for in the mouths of their diabetic patients to ensure that any gum disease can be treated.
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