Thursday, November 29, 2018

Diabetes and Tooth Loss

The experienced prosthodontists of the Oyster Bay Family Dentists have provided many people with dental implants and dentures. Even if a person suffered from periodontal disease and their teeth become loose as a result, it may be possible to provide them with a second chance at oral health. But gum disease has some complicating factors we want our patients to be on the look-out for, and one of the most common of these is diabetes.


People with diabetes have elevated levels of inflammation and more difficulty fighting off infections. Inflammation is the immune system’s way of isolating disease-causing bacteria and of providing white blood cell support to an infected area. But it also causes pain and discoloration, and when there are bacteria in the gum pockets, it often causes gums to bleed. Gingivitis literally means “gum inflammation” and is usually caused by bacterial infections. If an infection progresses, it could turn into periodontal disease (also called periodontitis), which describes the recession of gum tissue from around tooth roots. This causes teeth to come loose and could result in their falling out.


There is some evidence that gum disease and uncontrolled blood sugar influence each other. People with gum disease have higher glucose levels, and people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease than the general population. But the relationship also works in reverse; when people with periodontitis are treated, their blood sugar tends to be better regulated. We hope that people with diabetes will understand how important it is for them to maintain their oral hygiene and to continue to see us for regular cleanings.


Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.


 

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