{"id":335,"date":"2019-11-05T18:29:37","date_gmt":"2019-11-05T18:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/?p=335"},"modified":"2019-11-21T18:31:38","modified_gmt":"2019-11-21T18:31:38","slug":"gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/05\/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Puffy Gums? Learn More About the Connection Between Gum Disease and Diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"an<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

November is National Diabetes Month, which means, it\u2019s\ntime to consider your well-being and make sure you\u2019re eating right, exercising,\nand taking the right steps to manage your blood sugar levels. One way to do\nthis is to maintain good oral health. But what if you are showing signs of gum\ndisease<\/a>? If you\u2019re concerned that your gums are being negatively impacted\nby your diabetes, find out how the two are connected and what you can do to\nachieve better oral and overall health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is the Connection Between Gum Disease and Diabetes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Three words can explain the link between gum disease (also known\nas periodontal disease) and diabetes: high blood sugar. If you\u2019re uncertain as\nto how this is possible, let\u2019s take a look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who have diabetes have elevated blood sugar\nlevels, which, if untreated or poorly managed, can weaken white blood cells.\nThese are what the body needs in order to effectively fight off any bacterial\ninfection that exists within the body, including the mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes is also known to thicken blood vessels. When this\nhappens, the body is unable to quickly process nutrients and waste from its\ntissues, including those found within the oral cavity (i.e. the gums). Once the\nbody is weakened and can no longer fight off infections, this creates an opening\nfor bacteria to invade the mouth and cause gum disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Achieve Improved Gum Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for ways to improve your gum health and\nbetter manage your diabetes, the first step is to talk with your periodontist\nabout periodontal therapy. With so many safe and effective treatment options available,\nit will be up to you and your dental professional to determine which one is\nright for you. Some of these treatments include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n