Diabetes and gum disease are connected so it's important to manage both conditions wisely. Diabetics have blood circulation problems due to their thickened blood vessels. Narrowed blood vessels prevents life sustaining nutrients and oxygen from reaching the periodontal tissues and underlying jaw bone. Reduced circulation also prevents removal of waste products from the periodontal tissues which reduces the diabetic patient's ability to fight a gum infection, repair periodontal tissue damage and heal normally.

          Diabetes and gum disease both tend to have increased blood sugar levels. High blood sugar (glucose) encourages bacterial growth and because periodontal disease is a dental bacterial infection, the gum infection gets worse by feeding the oral bacteria with sugar. Good diabetic management resulting in good blood sugar levels is an important factor in preventing gum problems. Dr. Padolsky strongly believes in a low carb diet for his diabetic patients.

          Since there is a relationship between diabetes and gum disease, patients with periodontal disease should seek treatment to reduce or eliminate the gum disease problem. Uncontrolled diabetics have more severe periodontal disease and loose more teeth than the average population. Excellent oral hygiene along with regular dental visits are important along with necessary scaling and root planing procedures every few years. The time you invest in taking excellent care of your mouth is well spent.

          The link between diabetes and gum disease concerns the dentists of the Atlanta Dental Group PC since they are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. They offer comprehensive general and cosmetic dental services to their pateints. If you need gum disease treatment, you're welcome to join our family of patients. You deserve a happy and healthy life, but you have to work at achieving it. If you wish to visit with our Atlanta Family Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call 404-874-7428. It's your first step to good health.