At City Smiles we understand that periodontal disease and diabetes seem to have a blurred line, so we have done our best to explain how they interrelate…
Diabetes is a serious and complex medical condition that affects the entire body and often lasts for a whole lifetime. For our bodies to be able to function properly, we need to convert sugars (glucose) from the food we eat into energy, which requires a hormone called insulin. Those with diabetes cannot produce insulin, and instead carry the extra sugars around in the blood, which can cause a wide range of problems.
So how does diabetes affect the mouth?
People who suffer from diabetes are also more prone to infection in the body, which means they are more likely to develop gum disease than those who do not have diabetes. Gum disease can lead to painful chewing, bone loss and even tooth loss! Dry mouth, also a symptom of diabetes, can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and tooth decay. This is why it is important to not only have regular check-ups at your GP, to ensure your body health, but also at our Melbourne dental practice to ensure your oral health, too.
Prevention is always better than a cure…
At City Smiles in Melbourne we are committed to providing superior dental care to all our patients, which includes restorative, cosmetic and general dentistry. If you suffer from:
- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
- Sore, swollen, red or inflamed gums
- Gum withdrawal
- Loose teeth
You may be suffering from gum disease, which can result in tooth loss if not treated promptly. At City Smiles our elite team of dental professionals work to identify, diagnose and treat any sign of gum disease within the mouth, and maintain this check with every visit.
How you can take care of your smile…
At City Smiles we know that a busy lifestyle can sometimes lead to neglected oral health regimes, but we stress that with new links to other issues caused by poor oral health such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues and even cancer, it has never been more important to maintain your dental health. This is why we recommend your oral health routine include:
- Flossing between your teeth at least once a day, preferably before sleep.
This is because as we sleep we produce less saliva in the mouth, so if any food debris is stuck overnight, it can wreak havoc on the health of your smile. It is also important not to just flick the floss in and out of your teeth, but instead gently move it between the teeth and create a C shape. This will help to ensure all debris is removed from the teeth and from under the gum line.
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily
This is a staple rule that dental professionals have been singing for decades, and it’s because it makes all the difference! By maintaining an oral health routine that includes brushing after breakfast and once again before bed, you are effectively removing plaque accumulation that would otherwise cause gum disease or decay.
- Visit our dental practice every six months
By coming to our practice every six months you are allowing our dental professionals to diagnose any issues whilst in their infancy, and treat them promptly for a healthy, beautiful smile.
To discover more about our dental treatments or to book an appointment at our Melbourne dental practice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
