Various diseases can lead to trouble with our oral health. Most of the population, especially adults patients, experiences issues with their gums and teeth, leading to lots of surgery and pain that could have been avoided. In this article, Dr. Abdel Karim talks about how diabetes, when not well controlled, is one of the health conditions that could lead to chronic gingivitis.
How can diabetes lead to gingivitis?
As stated by Dr. Abdel Karim, There are a few ways diabetes can impact the development of gum disease, namely, chronic gingivitis.
- What happens when diabetes is not well controlled, is that blood sugar levels (i.e. glucose) become higher in the mouth fluids, leading to bacteria growth, which can cause gingivitis (or gum disease). Chronic gingivitis and chronic inflammation of gums can cause an abscess or pus in the gum, which at a later stage, may lead to gingival recession and tooth loss.
- In addition to high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes, the disease can highly affect the body’s immunity which causes bacteria to accumulate and leads to a bacterial disease like chronic gingivitis.
- Some studies have shown that there is a link between heart diseases, diabetes and the occurrence of gingivitis.
- Blood vessels supply the periodontal ligament with nutrients. Diabetes contributes to blood vessel damage, which prevents the gums from being nourished and therefore could lead to the development of oral diseases.
- Diabetes lowers the resistance to infection and slows healing. For that reason, people with diabetes develop more severe gum infections.
Dr. Abdel Karim stresses the importance to note that age is a factor that accelerates the process of developing gum disease linked with gingivitis.
What to do to prevent gingivitis associated with diabetes?
When an individual is faced with diabetes and has to deal with it and control every day, it is important for him or her to know that taking care of their oral health is of high importance. The last thing you want is to have to deal with gum disease, especially when the prevention of chronic gingivitis or periodontitis is simple. By following Dr. Abdelkarim’s tips below, you could go a long way in preventing the development of gingivitis caused by diabetes. So here is what you can do:
- Properly care for your teeth and gums, by brushing twice daily, using mouthwash and floss. These products should be aimed at reducing plaque, which protects from the development of bacteria.
- Book regular check-ups at the dentist’s to monitor your oral health.
- Choose the proper diet by eating and drinking food that is healthy and balanced and low in sugar.
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