Gum Disease and Diabetes

A bad case of gum disease combined with diabetes can dramatically increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack (3.5 times more likely ), kidney disease (3.5 times more likely), and stroke (4.3 times more likely). A possible consequence of developing gum disease is to have harmful bacteria enter the blood stream through the gums and reach the heart or arterial walls, where they can eventually block circulation or lead to life-threatening infections. Having these two disorders can lead to a vicious cycle, as the high blood sugar, reduced saliva and poor circulation characteristic of diabetes increases your risk of developing gum disease, while the bacteria present in gum disease stresses your immune and regulatory systems, making diabetes more difficult to control. Furthermore, the combined symptoms of gum disease and diabetes (including missing teeth, bad breath, bleeding gums, and chronic pain) can lead to depression, as it is difficult to be happy if you don't look and feel good.

Gum disease itself is an infection, brought on by the accumulation of dental plaque or tartar (especially below the gum line), that eventually destroys jaw bone and gums that protect and achor teeth. The tartar contains harmful bacteria that can produce acid that destroys your teeth and toxins that will dissolve jaw bone. Eventually, these toxins will create small holes next to teeth that become deeper and virtually impossible to clean. As this process continues, the gum line recedes and, if left untreated, you eventually lose all your teeth. Tell-tale signs of gum disease are red or swollen gums, receding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and low grade pain. Gum disease can often go unnoticed for years, as it is fairly painless while it destroys your jaw bone and gums, while harmful bacteria can enter your blood stream through your gums.

The best cure for gum disease is prevention. While minor surgery and deep cleanings can stop gum disease from progressing, these procedures are costly, invasive, and uncomfortable. Furthermore, fixing lost or damaged teeth can add to the cost. Even if the disease is stopped, you are always prone to a relapse. Therefore, a thourough brushing under the gumline using the 'Modified Bass Technique' (MBT), flossing, and regular visits to the dentist are your best bet for preventing gum disease from ever occurring. The MBT involves positioning the brush bristles at a 45 degree angle into the gums, making small circular motions which agitate and help the tips of the bristles reach dental plaque below the gum line, sweeping the brush and plaque out and away from the gums, and repeating this method at least three times in one place before moving on to another area.

Up and down scrubbing with floss, while under the gums, is critical for removing plaque and bacteria from the areas most vulnerable to gum disease, as gum disease usually starts between the teeth. People with diabetes need special oral care at home after every meal and before bed. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist how to perform MBT brushing, how to floss properly, and, if possible, take advantage of sonic flossing and brushing technology, as sonic products automatically disintegrate bacterial plaque.