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Posts Tagged ‘diabetes’

Don’t Take The Risk. Come For A City Leeds Check-Up

Sunday, August 10th, 2014

4390244_blogAre you one of the many people out there who hasn’t had a dental check-up in the last 6-9 months? Many people admit that they don’t have regular check-ups and we strongly advise keeping on top of dental checks, as they are so important for both your dental and general health.

Why are dental check-ups so important?

Regular check-ups are of paramount importance and we strongly advise all our patients, young and old, to see their dentist every 6 months. Frequent checks enable us to look out for signs of developing problems, which means that they can be treated before they get any worse; they also give us the chance to spot any changes in the mouth and to keep an eye on the development of the teeth. Without regular checks, there is a higher risk of decay and gum disease and an increased chance of potentially serious health issues, such as oral cancer, going undiagnosed.

With issues such as oral cancer and gum disease, the longer they are left, the more serious they become. Gingivitis is very easy to treat, but periodontal disease, the advanced form of gum disease, causes permanent damage to the mouth.

Dental health is also an important indicator of general health and there is a significant body of evidence to support the notion that poor oral health leads to an elevated risk of general health issues, from heart disease to diabetes.

What happens during a check-up?

We understand that many patients are apprehensive about seeing a dentist, but we promise that check-ups are quick and painless. They only take a few minutes and your dentist will simply have a quick chat with you to check how you are and whether you’ve had any dental problems and then have a good look at your mouth. Any potential issues or changes will be documented in your notes and if you have a clean bill of health, you won’t have to come back and see us for another 6 months. If you do need treatment, such as a filling, your dentist will explain why and how treatment will benefit you and then you can book an appointment when it is convenient.

The horrible link between Gum Disease and Diabetes in the City of Leeds

Saturday, June 8th, 2013

Diabetes is a very complex and delicate condition: people with it live a completely different lifestyle to the majority living in the city of Leeds and have to be aware of everything that they do each day: from the food and drink they consume, the way they exercise to the way they sleep, everything has to be balanced in order that their sugar levels are stable. But diabetes also causes a diminished immune system and can affect the saliva levels in the mouth. This is dangerous because without saliva, bacteria can spread and one of the greatest dangers that can come from this is often gum disease, which in turn will spread through the blood and infect the heart. Gum disease in itself has its own agenda; even in a body free of diabetes, it will wreak havoc through the blood and diminish the immune system and guess what, many people who suffer from this also develop diabetes! It is a very harsh merry-go-round and one that is difficult to fight, but if you are on either side of the fence, you must do the utmost you can to fight all of the way, so get as much help and advice you can in order do your best.

 

Dangerous Diabetes and your teeth in Central Leeds

Sunday, April 21st, 2013

The body is a very complex machine and as long as everything is working well, every organ will work with others to keep you healthy and ticking over smoothly. Sadly, life isn’t that easy especially those in central Leeds suffering from diabetes. This condition needs to be handled with velvet gloves: you have to watch what you eat and drink, and if you trip up, you can find yourself suffering from all manner of complications. Your teeth can also suffer with diabetes: this condition can dry up the mouths saliva- a natural defence against diseases in the mouth, so it is very easy for the mouth to succumb to gum disease and tooth decay if diabetes is present in the body and stooping the flow of saliva. Quite curiously though, this scenario can work the other way round too. If your mouth is ravished with disease in the gums and the teeth, the toxins will be spread throughout the bloodstream via your blood and over time, this can cause diabetes in the long run. If you feel that you are in danger from either of these conditions, it would be advisable to seek guidance from your dentist in order that you can take precautions and look after yourself.

 

The link between Diabetes and Gum Disease in Leeds

Saturday, October 8th, 2011

There are a lot of combinations in the body that have a knock-on affect to other complications, but if you suffer from diabetes in Leeds, and you have probably enough on your plate as it is, you may well be unaware of the dangers to your gums that diabetes can have. Healthy gums rely on the body working around them and they function fine if the diet of the body is good and the saliva levels in the mouth are high But for anyone who is diabetic, this opens a completely new spectrum when it comes to diet, and handling that and how you control the sugar levels in your body’s can impact on the gums. Any interference with the saliva level in the mouth can bring on gum disease. But here is the nightmare twist in the tale, for those that suffer from gum disease already, is a recipe for cooking up diabetes as well. Both of these ailments feed off each other and can cause each other to flourish. Finding a way to combat the two can be very awkward. If you already are diabetic, you should consult with both your doctor and dentist; if you fear you have any signs of gum disease, i.e., bleeding or foul and pungent smells in the mouth, you should get yourself to the dentist for help and advice.

How Your Teeth affects your Body in the City of Leeds

Monday, July 4th, 2011

Teeth and body, body and teeth- all of the parts that build up body’s constitution bounce of each other so if you keep your body healthy in the city of Leeds, you will keep your teeth healthy too. A good diet will keep everything functioning as it should, your immune system will be strong, and this will be reflected in your teeth and your smile. However, start abusing your body and you start putting your teeth at risk. It’s a vicious circle- bad food in, bad body, back into the mouth and bad teeth. More disturbingly, if your mouth develops gum disease, this can then start poisoning the blood, that flows into the heart and other organs and after time, they will lose the will to fight. Gum disease has also been linked to osteoporosis and diabetes that will then turn around and affect the mouth again. Getting the message? Another damaging health link between the body and the teeth is that of bruxism or teeth grinding. If you suffer from this condition, you are not only damaging the jaw joint, but effectively, promoting problems such and ear and headaches, neck damage and complications in the upper back. The body is a compact, complex and complete unit and each part of it relies on the other parts to function. Keep your mouth healthy and watch what you put in it, and your body will react accordingly.

Control diabetes and gum disease at Central Leeds dentist

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Gum disease is perhaps not the best known effect of diabetes but it is nevertheless an important one. It is estimated that over a third of all diabetes sufferers will contract some form of gum disease, also known as periodontitis, at some stage.

This occurs when the diabetes is not properly controlled and will affect both children and adult sufferers of the disease. Gum disease particularly affects diabetics because the efficiency of blood flow in sufferers may weaken the bone and gums leaving them more open to infection. It is also true that in cases of poorly managed diabetes the glucose levels in the mouth may be elevated meaning the gums are at an increased risk.

Gum disease is characterised by an irritation of the gum tissue by plaque acid that leads to infection and ultimately tissue and tooth loss if not correctly treated. Its main symptoms are sore or red tissue, bleeding from the gums and recession of the gum tissue. Gum disease in its milder form is known as gingivitis and can be treated effectively in most cases by improved oral hygiene and some treatment by a Leeds dentist. In the case of a diabetic patient, an improved control of the condition will also help to limit the chances of developing the disease. Gum disease in its more serious form is called periodontitis and will require more serious attention form the dentist, specifically in the case of diabetes sufferers.

Unfortunately for diabetic patients, oral problems are not just limited to gum disease. They are also more likely to suffer from dry mouth as a result of higher glucose levels in the mouth. If you are a diabetic, the best chance you have of avoiding nasty dental complications is to make a regular six-monthly (at least – ask your dentist) check up appointment. Together in this way, you will hopefully be able to keep gum disease under control and look after the health of your teeth.

Links between gum disease and diabetes explained by City of Leeds dentist

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

It is a fact that people with diabetes are more likely to be suffering from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, as people who do not have the condition. This is mainly because diabetes affects the immune system making sufferers more likely to catch infections. Periodontal disease is widely considered to be the sixth complication of diabetes by healthcare professionals.

Patients who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk. According to a study in the US in the Journal of Periodontology, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes sufferers are far more likely to be at risk from gum disease as those who are in control of their condition. Further research suggests that gum disease can also make it more difficult for patients to get their diabetes under control, making it something of a catch 22 situation.

More severe periodontal disease can increase the blood sugar levels meaning there are longer periods of time when the body is functioning with higher blood sugar. This increases the risk for diabetics. City of Leeds dentists therefore encourage diabetic patients to have regular check ups on order to reduce the risk of both periodontal disease and further health complications.

It is also true that there are links between periodontal disease and heart disease. This can mean that diabetic patients are increasing their risk of cardiovascular problems if they don’t keep their gums in especially good condition. Dentists usually recommend six-monthly check up appointments but it may be that diabetic patients need to make appointments more regularly. Contact your City of Leeds dentist who will be happy to offer advice about the best course of action.

City of Leeds dentist explains link between diabetes and oral health

Monday, December 28th, 2009

The links of diabetes with heart disease, stroke and kidney failure are well known but perhaps lesser known is the link between diabetes and periodontal disease. Sufferers of diabetes have difficulty controlling their blood sugar level which greatly increases the chance of them developing serious gum disease.

While gum disease may not seem as serious as heart disease or a stroke it is something certainly not to be taken lightly. Serious periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, tissue removal and hospitalisation. It is also worth remembering that there is a direct link between heart disease and gum disease. This occurs because infections in the gums can enter the blood stream easily and head straight for cardiovascular area. This can cause a narrowing of arteries leading to heart attacks and other coronary problems. For diabetics already at increased risk of heart disease this could be particularly dangerous.

Diabetics can help to prevent gum disease through better control of the blood glucose levels. It is also necessary for any diabetic patients to inform their City of Leeds dentist and make sure they attend regular six-month appointments to check for the first signs of gum disease. In its early stages it is significantly easier to treat than when it becomes a more serious periodontal infection. It is also necessary to inform your dentist if you are diabetic when you having any non-vital dental surgery performed because unstable blood sugar levels can cause complications during any surgery.

Diabetics are at a greater risk of gum disease, but with the right care and a necessary degree of caution it can easily be kept in check.