What Diabetics should know about Gum Disease and Gum Treatment ?

What Diabetics should know about Gum Disease and Gum Treatment ?

March 6, 2020 12:11 pm Published by

Diabetes is sadly on the rise. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are over one million diabetics in the UAE alone and much more living undiagnosed. For diabetic patients, there are many important health implications, and not least is the wellbeing of your teeth and gums. An increasing number of people are seeking gum treatment in Dubai due to gum disease, in which diabetes has played a part.

  • Why are diabetics at an increased risk of gum disease?

Diabetics struggle to regulate their blood sugar levels due to a lack of insulin, or because their body can’t use the insulin it produces in the right way. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can affect your body’s ability to fight off bacteria, which is the cause of gum disease. Though we all have these bacteria – right now you have more bacteria in your mouth than there are people on the planet –diabetics are less able to stave off infection and are more vulnerable to attack. What’s worse is that severe periodontal disease itself can also increase blood sugar levels, in turn making diabetes harder to control. It can become a vicious cycle. If the diabetes isn’t treated, then the risks involved are even higher.

  • What happens exactly?

Over time, bacteria in the mouth form plaque on the teeth, which then hardens into tartar. Tartar can’t be removed by simple brushing or flossing, and it can lead to mild gum inflammation known as gingivitis. Without treatment this can progress to periodontitis, or gum disease, where the infection spreads further and further. Gums will start to pull away from the teeth and form ‘pockets’ which fill up with yet more bacteria. This can cause irreversible tissue damage, especially if the infection reaches connective tissue or bone. It’s estimated that one third of diabetics also have periodontal disease – so it’s very important to take the condition seriously and seek out the best gum specialist in Dubai.

  • What does Gum Treatment include?

Gum treatments include a wide range of options depending on the severity of the case. If you have a gum disease then you will want to find the best Periodontist in Dubai. If you are in any doubt as to a course of treatment advised by a dentist, we would strongly advise getting a second opinion before any surgery is carried out.

  • How to avoid gum disease?

It’s important to look after your gums carefully especially if you are a Diabetic – prevention is better than cure, after all. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and avoid sugary snack and drinks. Plaque reforms roughly every 24 hours, so regular brushing is especially important. Visit your dentist every six months, and check your gums regularly. If you notice any changes such as persistent bad breath, bleeding, soreness, redness or inflammation, seek out gum treatment in Dubai as soon as possible.

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