Diabetes and Gum Disease

Diabetes is a disease that can lead to a number of other health problems. For diabetics suffering from gum disease in Denver, it’s important to understand the link between these two conditions. Diabetes can weaken the ability of your mouth to fight germs and infection, putting you at greater risk of developing gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease include swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, and loosened teeth.

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause inflammation in the gingiva, or gums, surrounding and supporting the teeth. Over time, this can damage the gum tissue and lead to more severe problems such as receding gums or the loss of a tooth. The best form of prevention for gum disease is consistent oral hygiene. Your dentist may recommend brushing and flossing twice daily to help prevent the overgrowth of bacteria from plaque, and regular dental exams to clean and remove tartar buildup.