Diabetes is on the rise in Arizona, and that has dentists worried. We’ll explain in a moment.
In 1999, 2.8 percent of Arizona adults reported that they had diabetes. As of last year, 10.7 percent of adult Arizonans said they have diabetes, according to statistics compiled by America’s Health Rankings.
That’s a reason to be concerned. People with diabetes are at higher risk for other health issues such as heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, and gum disease.
That’s right, diabetes and gum disease are connected. If you have diabetes, that makes it even more important for you pay attention to your oral health and to seek treatment if you show signs of gum disease.
If you need a dentist to help you in the Phoenix area, call Dental Implants and Periodontology of Arizona.
Finding the connection
Researchers know that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease. The reasons why aren’t yet clear, however.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, diabetics are more likely to have infections that can lead to periodontal disease.
And that can start a bad cycle inside your body.
People with gum disease have more trouble controlling their blood sugar. That can lead to more diabetic complications. The link between the two conditions may not be known exactly, but scientists have seen how the symptoms of each disease affect one another.
Gum disease can lead to other oral health problems as well, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Diabetics often have dry mouth, which can lead to cavities, ulcers, and soreness. People with diabetes are more likely to have thrush, too. This is an infection from a fungus that grows inside your mouth.
Signs of periodontal disease
As you can see, proper oral health needs to be a particular priority for anyone with diabetes. It’s also important to know the warning signs that you are developing periodontal disease.
The two major types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the milder form of the disease. This can often be treated with routine care, which includes regular cleanings at the dentist office.
If untreated, your infection can become periodontitis, which is considered an advanced form of gum disease.
Here are some things to watch for if you are concerned that you or someone you love may have gum disease:
Gum disease can lead to infections around the roots of your teeth and in the bones that hold your teeth in place. This is why your teeth can feel loose or even fall out if you do not receive treatment for your periodontal disease.
Non-surgical solution
Dental Implants and Periodontology of Arizona in Phoenix offers some of the most advanced treatments for periodontal disease. We were the first dentist office in Arizona to use perioscopy as part of our gum disease treatment.
This involves a tiny camera, which allows us to get an up close and personal look at your gums. This camera can be inserted under your gums so we can find infected tissue. With this and other tools of modern dentistry, we can provide effective periodontal treatment without surgery.
This also means you can heal faster when your treatment is finished.
Of course, prevention is the best approach to gum disease and other oral health problems. This is why it is important that you brush your teeth twice every day, floss once per day, and keep your appointments for routine dental cleanings.
Finding help close to home
If you live in or near the Phoenix area, we encourage to visit our dentist office about any concerns regarding gum disease. If you have diabetes, it’s particularly important that you monitor the health of your gums.
To make an appointment, call Dental Implants and Periodontology of Arizona at 602-842-6841 or use our online form. We welcome new patients, too, and we invite you to use this form to plan your visit.
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