BITES FROM DR. BAROTZ

Not only are diabetics more susceptible to serious gum disease, but new evidence shows that serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood sugar levels and contribute to the advancement of diabetes. Dr. Barotz here.

It is commonly known that people with diabetes are at higher risk for gum disease, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease) because they are typically more prone to infection and have a lesser ability to fight the bacteria that invade the gums.

Latest studies show the reverse also to be true. People with moderate to severe gum disease may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. After tracking nearly 9,300 US adults for 17 years, it was discovered that those who began the study with gum disease were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic within a 20 year timeframe as those who started with healthy gums and had a 70% percent higher risk for substantial tooth loss.

I can't stress enough how important it is to make sure that you are taking care of your teeth and gums. The mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacteria in the bloodstream which then travels to other organs in the body. Periodontal disease has also been linked to heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, male infertility, cancer, and even Alzheimer's.

Periodontal disease is usually painless, but there are certain signs that can signal a problem. Some of these signs include bleeding gums, during eating or brushing, swollen tender gums, receding gums, persistent halitosis, loose or separating teeth, a change in the bite.

The best way to handle diabetes and periodontal disease include:

· First and foremost, is good home care, including flossing.

· If you are a diabetic, control your blood glucose level.

· Your best weapon in fighting periodontal disease is to visit your dentist regularly. If you have periodontal disease, your dentist should be able to offer different therapies, such as LANAP, laser gum therapy, to halt the progress of the disease.

· If you have diabetes, advise your dentist and share any problems with infections or trouble keeping your blood sugar levels under control.

· Be sure to eat before visiting your dentist. The best time for dental work is when your blood sugar level is in a normal range and your diabetes medication action is low. If you take insulin, a morning visit after a normal breakfast is best.

· Unless your dentist or doctor tells you to change your dose for dental surgery, take your usual medicines before your dentist visit. Your dentist should consult with your doctor to decide about adjustments in your diabetes medicines, or to decide if an antibiotic is needed before surgery to prevent infection.

· Stick to your normal meal plan after dental work. If you can't chew well, plan how to get the calories you need. You may need to use your sick-day meal plan that uses more soft or liquid foods.

· Wait to have dental surgery until your blood sugar is in better shape, if your diabetes is in poor control.

What it boils down to is this. By taking care of your teeth and gums you can help keep many major diseases in check.

If you are concerned about periodontal disease and don't have a dentist, give me a call. We'll get you in for a free consult and put your worries to rest. 303.595.4994. www.barotzdental.com.