Diabetes and Your Gums

More Americans are being diagnosed with diabetes every day. Most people know that diabetes has an impact on the health of your feet, eyes, heart and nerves. Some diabetics may also experience problems with their oral health and develop gum disease. If you or someone you care about has diabetes, it is vital to take good care of your mouth. Dr. Allen Huang and Dr. Jeffrey Wang are periodontists who can help you prioritize your oral health if you have diabetes in Las Vegas, NV. You can reduce your chances of developing more complications by visiting your dentist regularly.

National Diabetes Awareness Month
Since November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, our office is committed to educating our patients about how this disease may affect your teeth. Unfortunately, there are many people in this country who may not even be aware of their diabetes. Many symptoms of diabetes can also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to see your family doctor if you have sudden fatigue, blurred vision, an increased thirst or more frequent urination.

How Diabetes Affects Your Gums
If diabetes is not kept under control, it can cause severe problems throughout the body. One issue that some people suffer from is gingivitis. This first stage of periodontal disease is often characterized by swollen, bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not kept under control, it can advance into the more serious periodontitis. This is caused by infection between the gum and teeth and may lead to tooth loss.

Options for Relief
The good news is that it is relatively easy to work with your dental care provider to avoid gum problems along with your diabetes. You can start by making sure you brush at least two times a day and floss regularly. If you have gum discomfort, you should seek treatment right away.

For diabetic patients, it is important to keep up with good oral hygiene habits. Contact us today, so Dr. Huang and Dr. Wang can give you advice about other methods to help reduce your chance of developing gum disease.