{"id":565,"date":"2021-01-20T15:28:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-20T15:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=565"},"modified":"2021-02-18T15:31:15","modified_gmt":"2021-02-18T15:31:15","slug":"gum-dentist-in-mesquite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/01\/20\/gum-dentist-in-mesquite\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hidden Relationship Between Gum Disease and Diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Living with diabetes can lead to a host of other health complications, but rarely is the connection between the condition and gum disease<\/a> highlighted. As you continue reading, a dentist in Mesquite explains how diabetes can encourage gum decay and what you can do to protect yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum (periodontal) disease starts as gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the soft tissue. It stems from oral bacteria and plaque that have traveled beneath the gum line. If ignored, the condition can develop into gum disease, which can result in permanent damage to the bone, ligaments and other connective tissue that secure teeth. There can eventually be tooth loss and, if not addressed, the infection can migrate to other parts of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sugar \u2013 The Connection Between Gum Disease and Diabetes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes is the inability of the pancreas to regulate glucose (sugar in its simplest form). As a result, there is either too little insulin produced (Type 1) or the body becomes resistant to insulin (Type 2). Both cases cause high blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevated blood sugar levels attract more oral bacteria, and as they feed on the glucose, they release caustic fluids that lead to tooth and gum decay. Over time, this can cause gingivitis and later gum disease. Thus, people who suffer from diabetes are more vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Fight Back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although diabetes can be a gateway to gum disease, you don\u2019t have to sit back and idly allow it to happen. Here are some ways to protect yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n