Type 2 Diabetes & Periodontal Disease
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Type 2 Diabetes
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Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition and millions of people are diagnosed with the disease on an annual basis. In the U.S., diabetes has become more widespread due to the increased accessibility of fast foods, less active lifestyles and the rise of obesity. The condition was formerly more common among people of color and the elderly; it now affects a broad cross-section of people.
Periodontal Disease
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Periodontal disease (gum disease) develops when plaque destroys the gums and bones around the teeth. People with diabetes develop gum disease as a result of high levels of blood glucose. Periodontal disease is often developed by diabetics who do not properly take care of their diabetes and have poor oral hygiene.
Type 2 Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
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A study conducted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases found that periodontal disease led to an increased prevalence of heart and kidney disease in type 2 diabetics. Heart and kidney diseases are serious because they damage vital organs and cause strokes, heart attacks and renal failure. Furthermore, they greatly reduce the life expectancy of type 2 diabetics since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people with diabetes.
Periodontal disease makes it more difficult for people with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood levels. Severe periodontal disease increases blood sugar, which ultimately increases diabetic complications.
Prevention
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Diabetes maintenance, good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits greatly reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease. Type 2 diabetics should go in for dental check-ups every six months; some dentists may recommend more frequent visits. Flossing after meals, brushing on a regular basis, and chewing sugar free gum after meals are all important in maintaining oral health. Furthermore, good nutrition, exercise and insulin regulation keeps diabetes manageable.
Treatment
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The treatment of periodontal disease depends on how much damage has been done to the teeth. Therefore, it is important to schedule regular visits to the dentist to catch the disease in its early stages. The two most common treatments are plaque removal and periodontal surgery. Plaque removal is used when periodontal disease is in its earlier stages and involves the cleaning and removal of hardened plaque around the surfaces of the teeth and the treatment of infected gums.
Periodontal surgery is used during the advanced stages of periodontal disease. The surgery involves cleaning the infected areas around the gum and reshaping and replacing tooth-supporting tissue in order to save the affected teeth.
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