It’s common knowledge that having diabetes also means your body has a harder time fighting bacteria, but did you know that suffering from diabetes is also linked to suffering from gingivitis?
Because diabetes lowers the gums’ resistance to infection and alters the structure of blood vessels, your gums become far more prone to infection. Diabetes also slows down blood circulation, which may also lead to weaker gum tissues. Having high levels of glucose in saliva will also promote an increased growth of bacteria which can lead to gingivitis.
Common signs of gingivitis:
- Swollen, red gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Changed alignment within the mouth
- Pus between gum and teeth
- Bad breath
- Gums easily separated from the teeth
- Teeth that are loose inside the gums
Common at-home gingivitis treatment includes:
- Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash every day — It may sound easy enough, but most Americans fail to brush even once a day for up to two minutes. Effective brushing and flossing habits, as well as rinsing with mouthwash, are easy ways to keep gingivitis away.
- Quit smoking — If you’re a smoker (and especially if you’re a smoker with diabetes), you will surely suffer from gingivitis. It might not be easy at first, so talking to your dentist and/or doctor about quitting is highly recommended!
- Eat well — Keeping your gums and your body healthy is as easy as eating right! Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and other healthy snacks and you’ll be on your way to a healthy smile in no time.
- Visit your dentist — One of the fastest and easiest ways to keep gingivitis away is to be up-to-date with your dentist visits. Not only can your dentist help keep your teeth clean, he or she has the ability to check your mouth for things like oral cancer.
If you have any questions regarding gingivitis treatment, contact us today!
