Dr. Paul C. Riley
Dr. Charles F. Ezelle
Find Us:
Patient Library
Find helpful information in our digital library.
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- oral health (31)
- celebrity smiles (77)
- oral hygiene (17)
- orthodontics (9)
- tads (1)
- dental implants (15)
- cosmetic dentistry (10)
- dental emergency (3)
- clear aligners (2)
- furcation (1)
- pediatric dentistry (16)
- sealants (2)
- sinus surgery (1)
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (3)
- dental exam (2)
- orthodontic treatment (20)
- braces (11)
- root canal (2)
- oral cancer (5)
- palatal expanders (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- medication (1)
- teeth whitening (4)
- dental injury (6)
- mouthguard (2)
- periodontal disease (2)
- gum disease (14)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- flossing (1)
- retainers (6)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- partial denture (2)
- bridge (1)
- crowns (4)
- laser dentistry (2)
- bonding (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- bad breath (2)
- gluten (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- chipped teeth (2)
- dental care (3)
- pediatric care (1)
- tooth decay (4)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- root canal treatment (10)
- nutrition (7)
- tooth extraction (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- gum recession (2)
- fluoride (2)
- mouthguards (5)
- pain management (1)
- toothache (2)
- thumb sucking (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- chipped tooth (4)
- teeth grinding (4)
- bruxism (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- veneers (2)
- cancer treatment (1)
- tooth loss (2)
- tooth replacement (1)
- retainer (1)
- cancer (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- bonded retainer (1)
- gerd (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- extraction (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- dental visit (1)
- diabetes (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- smile makeover (3)
- dentures (3)
- loose tooth (1)
- dry socket (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- extractions (1)
Categories:
My Blog
Posts for tag: diabetes
Currently, one-third of Americans are either diabetic or have prediabetic symptoms. Caused by an imbalance in blood sugar levels, diabetes can complicate and increase the risk for other inflammatory conditions like heart disease and that includes another disease typified by inflammation: periodontal (gum) disease.
Each November, dentists join other healthcare professionals in commemorating American Diabetes Month. Besides making people aware of the widespread impact of diabetes, it's also a chance to highlight ways to manage the disease and promote better health for your body overall, including your gums.
If you have diabetes (or your doctor is concerned you may develop it), here's what you should know to keep it from harming your gum health.
Keep your diabetes under control. The adverse effects of diabetes on the body, including the gums, can be minimized through medication, good dietary habits and exercise. Because of its chronic nature, though, managing diabetes should become a permanent part of your daily life. But it's essential to keep symptoms under control to protect your gums from infection.
Practice daily oral hygiene. Gum disease can occur with anyone, not just those with diabetes. A few days without proper oral hygiene to remove bacterial plaque is all it takes to trigger an infection. So be sure you're brushing and flossing each day, as well as having routine professional dental cleanings at least every six months.
See us at the first sign of gum problems. If you notice your gums are reddened, swollen or bleeding after brushing and flossing, see us as soon as possible. If it is gum disease, the sooner we begin treatment, the less likely the infection will cause extensive damage—including tooth loss. It's also possible to have gum disease but not have any symptoms initially. That's why it's important to see us on a regular basis to check your gum health.
Keep your healthcare providers informed. Some studies seem to indicate that if you have both diabetes and gum disease, treating one condition could help improve symptoms with the other. Be sure both the dentist treating your gum disease and the physician managing your diabetes know about the other condition. It may be possible to adjust and coordinate treatment to get the most benefit for both.
Living with diabetes is a challenge, especially if you're also dealing with gum disease. Keeping your diabetes under control and caring for your teeth and gums can help make that challenge easier.
If you would like more information about protecting your dental health while managing diabetes, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Diabetes and Periodontal Disease” and “Gum Disease and Systemic Health.”