Wednesday 29 September 2010

Gum Health and Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association believes people with type 2 diabetes can help control the disease and take care of your gums. Several studies support this belief.

A demographic study of the United States between 1988 and 1994 showed that gum disease doubling the risk of a person to experience insulin resistance. A study by Stony Brook University linked the severity of gum disease with the degree of insulin resistance. Inflammatory chemicals produced by infection in the mouth may enter the bloodstream and affect cells that treatment with insulin. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that the treatment of gum disease and suffering of routine dental care decreased significantly blood sugar levels in the long term in people with type 2 diabetes. Studies of Pima Indians in the southwestern United States (a population with a high price of type 2 diabetes) found that people with severe gum disease had a much higher risk of kidney problems and heart disease related to diabetes .
Good control of blood sugar can help to slow down the progression of diabetes and complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and more. These studies show a definite link between gum health care / dental care and diabetes control.

Many people - either diabetics or normal - do not realize they have gum disease. An inflammation in the mouth can take a long time to develop noticeable symptoms. But if your body is busy fighting periodontal disease, you may have a harder time controlling your diabetes.

What can you do?

Make sure your visit to dentist on a regular basis. If you do have gum disease, you may need a course of antibiotics to help clear up any infection. If you do have gum disease, you may need professional cleanings more frequently. Brush and floss daily! Visit your diabetes specialist or general practitioner on a regular basis to check the progress of your diabetes and any complications.

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