Gum Disease Archives - Smile Makers Dental

What is gum disease?

smilemakers — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:59:09 +0000

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How is gum disease related to diabetes?

smilemakers — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:58:20 +0000

People with diabetes have a low resistance to infection

They are 2.6 times more likely to contract severe gum disease, as they are more susceptible to sores, wounds, and inflammation.

This susceptibility to infection is due to impaired white blood cells (polymorpho-nuclear leukocytes). White blood cells are important for maintaining healthy gums.

Gum Disease is an infection

Gum Disease can destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth.

Diabetics need to control their blood sugar well

Infections reduce the control of blood sugars as the body produces certain stress hormones that reduce the effectiveness of insulin. Insulin is the essential factor in controlling blood sugar levels. Thus, chronic infections can lead to higher blood sugar levels, which affects other organs in the body such as the blood vessels, kidney, the heart and even the brain.

Get rid of gum disease and diabetes becomes easier to control

Studies have shown that treating gum disease can help to reduce the amount of medication required to control diabetes.

What needs to be done

Diabetics need to ensure that besides taking their medication, they eat healthily and live a healthy lifestyle. This includes minimising the risk of infections. Gum Disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth. Diabetics need to take proper care of their teeth by practising the correct methods of brushing and flossing; and having regular scaling and polishing done. Regular dental checkups will help to identify early signs of gum disease that can easily go un-noticed.

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How is gum disease related to strokes?

smilemakers — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:57:26 +0000

Tooth loss and gum disease may increase a person’s risk of having a stroke.

Researchers at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston , Massachusetts , followed the heart and dental health of 41,380 men between the ages of 40 and 75 for 12 years.

They had no sign of heart disease or diabetes at the start of the study.

Men who had 24 teeth or less at the start of the study were found to have a 57 per cent increase in their risk for having an ischemic stroke compared to men who had 25 teeth or more. Adults typically have a full set of 32 teeth.

Tooth loss in most cases was due to gum disease or cavities

In the past, scientists have speculated that over time,oral bacteria may slip into the blood stream and trigger inflammation in the blood vessels that feed the heart and brain.

Some, but not all, studies on the topic have suggested a history of gum disease increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

-Reproduced from Straits Times, Dec 15th 02

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How does smoking affect gum disease?

smilemakers — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:56:24 +0000

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How does pregnancy affect gum disease?

smilemakers — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:55:03 +0000

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