If you have diabetes, you should be very aware of your risk of contracting gum disease. These two diseases often go hand-in-hand and can cause serious complications if they are not handled right away. Even if you do not have diabetes, it is important to be able to recognize the signs, as gum disease can also be a precursor for diabetes.
The Signs
Often times, gum disease is painless, which makes it even harder to get diagnosed early on as most people only go to the dentist when something hurts. Unfortunately, the silent signs of gum disease should not be ignored, as it is a disease that needs to be treated right away to ensure your ability to keep your teeth and avoid a lifetime of serious problems. The most common signs to watch for include:
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Red or swollen gums
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Bleeding while brushing or flossing
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Chronic bad breath
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Teeth pulling away from the gums
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Teeth that seemed to have moved or become loose
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A change in your bite or the way that your teeth fit together
Why Diabetics Need to Worry
As a diabetic, your blood sugar levels need to be stable in order to keep you healthy. They also need to be in control to keep your risk of gum disease minimized. In reverse, keeping your gum disease under control also helps to keep your blood sugar levels easier to maintain, which helps to keep the side effects of diabetes at a minimum. It is a mutual need for your body and your teeth to keep your blood sugar levels under control, which includes the need to see your dentist in order to minimize your risk of suffering from gum disease. The dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums to indicate whether you have periodontal (gum disease), and will recommend the necessary treatment for you.
Thurston Oaks Dental, 4305 NE Thurston Way, Suite A, Vancouver, WA 98662 + (360) 514-9212 + vancouverdds.com + 12/3/2024 + Key Phrases: dentist Vancouver WA +
If you have diabetes, you should be very aware of your risk of contracting gum disease. These two diseases often go hand-in-hand and can cause serious complications if they are not handled right away. Even if you do not have diabetes, it is important to be able to recognize the signs, as gum disease can also be a precursor for diabetes.