People who have diabetes often suffer health problems with their eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. But less known is the increased risk they face of periodontal disease. This is the disease of the gums that causes painful and bleeding gums. Conversely, periodontal disease can make it hard to control blood sugar levels, which in turn can aggravate the diabetes.
It is this lack of blood sugar control that makes diabetes sufferers more susceptible to gum disease. Irregularities in blood sugar levels often cause gum disease, and diabetics are far more likely to suffer severe gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss, than non-diabetics. The thickening of blood that is symptomatic of diabetes also means it is harder to carry away the tissues’ waste products from the gums meaning that gum tissues are far more likely to get infected.
Diabetes sufferers who also smoke are at particular risk. Studies show that a diabetic smoker is 20 times more likely to suffer gum disease than someone with neither of these risk factors.
Diabetics are also at greater risk because they are not as able to remove sugars from the mouth. A build up of sugar in the mouth provides the perfect place for bacteria to grow and cause further damage.
Gum disease has two clear stages. Firstly, gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, which is often represented by inflammation, swelling and irritation of the gums. At this stage it can still be reversed by proper brushing and a good oral hygiene routine. If the infection gets worse it may develop into periodontal disease. This is when plaque develops under the gums fording them away from the teeth. Infection then develops in this space. At this stage it will require treatment from a dental professional.
Treatment takes one of two forms; either plaque removal or more serious periodontal surgery. A West London dentist will be able to perform both procedures relatively easily. Dentists advise regular six-monthly check ups, especially for diabetics to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
In polls of popular fears, right up there with spiders and heights, is always the dentist. Even though we know that our dental health is very important, for some people the anxiety proves too much and their
If you have an irritating sore on the inside of your mouth it is a good idea to make an appointment at a dentists to have it examined. Oral cancers first manifest themselves as sores or growths that do not disappear naturally. Oral cancers, which include cancer in any part of the mouth, tongue or throat can be life threatening if not caught and treated early so it is always advisable to visit a dentist if you are unsure.
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An avulsed, or knocked out tooth as it is more commonly known, can be caused by any accident that involves some kind of head trauma. These kinds of head traumas are most commonly sporting injuries, car accidents or biting on something hard. As with most accidents, prevention is always better than cure, so dentists always advise using the necessary protective devices.
Sucrose substitutes are food additives that replicate the sweetness of normal table sugar (sucrose) in food. The substitutes are usually compounds which have a sweetness intensity far greater than normal sugar, so the amount needed to sweeten food products is greatly reduced. Some sucrose substitutes are naturally occurring while some others are artificially produced.
Just as eating the right food is good for your general well being, it can also be good for your
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Fluoride is a chemical that has been added to water for over half a century with the purported belief that it prevents tooth decay and dental cavities. However, like many drugs, fluoride has been proven to cause that which it supposed to cure. Tooth decay rates are actually increasing in areas of high water fluoridation yet some dentists continue to ignore the evidence and prescribe more fluoride directly or advocate adding it to the water supply.
Toothbrushes have existed since Egyptian times. Even 3000 years ago people were aware how important it was. Right from when we are very young we are told how important it is to brush our teeth twice a day, even if we don’t like doing it much at the time. As we grow up, 




