Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a common and sometimes chronic infection of the gums that affects nearly 70 million Americans each year. The good news is that periodontitis is typically detected early through regular check-ups. If you require gum disease surgery Rochester, your first step is to contact a periodontist for a consultation.
Did you know that patients who have diabetes are more susceptible to contracting periodontitis? According to the Global Diabetes Community, several factors can cause patients to be more likely to develop this infection of the gums. It is essential to be aware of the risk factors so that you can work diligently to prevent the onset of gum disease.
In honor of National Diabetes Month, let’s discuss a few ways that diabetes can compromise your oral health, and how you can prevent and treat periodontal disease.
The Surprising Link Between Gum Disease and Diabetes
There are several influences from diabetes that impact a patient’s oral health. Learning to recognize these factors can save you from developing gum disease.
- High blood sugar levels impair the ability of white blood cells to fight infections and repair wounds. This causes diabetic patients to be more susceptible to contracting infections in the mouth and other areas of the body. To prevent this from happening, it is important to monitor and maintain healthy blood sugar levels closely.
- A common symptom of diabetes is dry mouth. Having a dry mouth and lack of saliva can cause bacteria and plaque to build-up on the gums and teeth, leading to gum disease. Your physician can help you manage dry mouth – but high blood sugar levels can make dry mouth worse. It is crucial to keep your levels in check as it can lessen the chances of developing periodontitis.
- Periodontal disease has also been known to increase blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. It is important to visit your periodontist regularly to maintain optimal gum health and better control of blood sugar levels.
Gum Disease Surgery Rochester
Thankfully, periodontitis is treatable, and future instances can be prevented with the help of an experienced gum disease surgeon Rochester. Gum disease typically presents itself with the following symptoms:
- Swollen, red gums that bleed during brushing
- Gums that are separated from the teeth
- Sensitive or loose teeth
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
If you do develop gum disease, contact your periodontist right away. They will work with you to develop a customized plan to remedy any damage already caused and prevent any future damage from occurring. There are several different procedures your Rochester periodontist may suggest, depending on the damage you have suffered. Some common gum disease remedies include:
- Crown Lengthening – the removal of excess gum to expose more of the crown of the teeth.
- Pocket Depth Reduction – the gums are carefully moved away from the tooth, and the pocket is cleaned. Any diseased bone is removed, and then the gums are reattached to the clean, healthy bone for a snug fit around the tooth.
- Soft Tissue Grafting – this procedure restores the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth that has receded over time.
- Periodontal Maintenance – You will require regular cleanings from a periodontist to maintain optimal oral health.
Developing periodontitis can be a common occurrence among diabetic patients. With preventative measures and the guidance of an experienced gum disease surgeon, you will be able to maintain a healthy smile.
Schedule an Appointment with a Rochester Gum Diseases Surgeon
If you or a loved one is living with diabetes and suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with Dr. Zahavi, Rochester gum disease surgeon, today, or give us a call at 585.685.2005.
