If you are a loyal reader of the Farber Center blog, then you’ve already read about how diabetes increases the risk of developing periodontitis (gum disease). Therefore, for people with diabetes, maintaining good oral health, including healthy teeth and gums, is even more essential. The best defense is consistent home care, including brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. 
When good home care is combined with routine dental check-ups, any issues can be treated before they become significant problems. For those who already have been diagnosed with periodontitis (gum disease), deeper cleanings such as laser pocket disinfection can be essential.
In addition to being alert to possible gum disease, diabetics also can benefit from the better whole-body health holistically supported by healthy teeth and gums. When a person has periodontitis, there is a low-grade infection in the mouth that can affect the heart, circulatory system, and immune system. These are among the reasons both dental and periodontal organizations strongly advise patients to brush, floss, and have regular check-ups. If you have diabetes, all of these becomes even more essential for you and you take precautions to maintain good health.
What are Periodontitis and Diabetes and How Do They Connect?
Our bodies typically create energy by processing the foods we eat into glucose (sugar). The pancreas will then manufacture a hormone called insulin to spread the glucose to the cells within our bodies. A person with diabetes is unable to produce enough insulin, or the body does not use insulin properly. It causes sugar to pile up in excess within the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, as of 2015, 30.3 million Americans have diabetes. 
The CDC report states that 84.1 million Americans have prediabetes, a condition that leads to type 2 diabetes within five years.
Periodontitis, periodontal disease, or gum disease is a common infection damaging the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. The Journal of Dental Research released a study estimating that 47.2% of Americans (64.7 million adults) have some form of periodontitis.
The two become linked because an infection such as periodontitis may cause insulin resistance, which disrupts blood sugar control. The American Academy of Periodontology states that severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar. The increased blood sugar, along with the development of insulin resistance, makes it clear that having both at once, is problematic.
Farber Center Treats Periodontal Disease for Diabetics and Everyone
Controlling periodontal disease, for the most part, requires the same steps whether or not you have diabetes. But if you have diabetes, making sure to follow all of the necessary steps is even more essential because of the broader effect on your health. Make sure to have bi-yearly check-ups with a periodontist, as well as proper treatment for any recurring issues. You may likely be a candidate for deeper laser cleanings which eradicate bacteria below the gum line using advanced treatment methods. 
Also, if you at some point require surgery, we offer news less invasive laser gum surgery methods that are more comfortable and effective.
If you would have gum disease leading to tooth loss, we offer a full range of replacement solutions. They include holistic dental implants made from a ceramic material known as zirconia. For patients who have lost many teeth, All-on-4 dental implants can replace an entire row with only four implants. For people with diabetes who have had gum disease and tooth loss, treating and controlling oral infections and replacing teeth with dental implants can be essential steps to maintaining overall health. Eating well depends on being able to bite and chew healthy fruits and vegetables, and a well functioning set of new teeth can make it all possible.
If you’ve had tooth loss or gun problems, Dr. Farber and everyone at our Medford and Hauppauge dentist offices wants you to know that with the help of Farber Center, your future will be better. Recent advances in treatments and methods have made nearly everything more comfortable and effective. Because we strive to be among the best Long island Periodontists, we have the latest equipment on-site and provide a thorough level of care that is unmatched by others in the area. Our patient-centered approach is all about you and your needs, meaning that when you visit us, you’ll receive outstanding care every time.
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