Sufferers of diabetes have been found to be at a high risk of developing gum disease in the City of Leeds. Gum disease has in fact been named as the sixth most common complication of diabetes and is most common in those sufferers who have little or no control over their blood-sugar levels.
Gum disease is caused by a build up of bacteria around the teeth and around the gum tissue, it can be caused by poor dental hygiene, smoking or diabetes. Symptoms of gum disease include receding gums, bleeding gums and tooth loss.
Diabetes is a disease that suppresses the body’s natural defences against infection. It is this depression of the immune system that is responsible for the higher risk of gum disease in patients suffering from diabetes. When an individual has problems controlling their blood-sugar content, the blood vessels can alter in shape, leading to a decrease in oxygen travelling to the bones and tissue of the jaw and mouth. This reduction in oxygen and nutrients causes damage and weakening to the gums, leaving them more prone to infection by harmful bacteria. In addition, individuals who are unable to properly manage their diabetes may have a higher concentration of glucose in their oral cavity, leading to an increase in the growth and reproduction rate of the bacteria surrounding the gums.
In order to help prevent gum disease, sufferers of diabetes should try to manage their blood-sugar levels effectively in order to reduce the amount of glucose left in the mouth after eating. Furthermore, they should ensure they brush and floss extremely regularly in order to remove any build up of harmful bacteria and prevent the formation of plaque residues between the teeth.
Tags: City of Leeds, gum disease, gum treatment, Gum treatment City of Leeds
