Type 2 Diabetes - High Sugar Levels in Your Saliva Damages Teeth and Gums

Periodontitis is infection and inflammation of the soft tissue and bone that hold the teeth. It is the most common cause of tooth loss in people over the age of 35. In both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes there can be a high level of sugar in the saliva, just as there is in the blood if the condition is not well controlled. Sugar in the saliva can feed harmful bacteria that cause plaque, or a hardening of bacterial deposits, and if the plaque is not cleaned away, periodontitis can be the result. Treatment for periodontitis can involve surgical removal of pockets of infection, or non-surgical treatment. Root planing and scaling is a non-surgical method of scraping the bone beneath the gums and between the teeth. A scraping tool or ultrasound can be used. Antibiotics are sometimes placed between the teeth during the procedure. Researchers at Darshan Dental College in Rajasthan, India, looked at improvements in periodontitis in people with and without Type 2 diabetes after non-surgical treatment. This particular study was published in January 2012 in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology, looked at people three months and six months after root planing and scaling. The amount of plaque, gum bleeding, gum condition, and gum depth were improved in both groups. In the people with diabetes, improvement was also seen in their HbA1c levels. From this study, it was concluded root planing and scaling, in addition to treating periodontitis effectively, also helped bring blood sugar levels under control in people with diabetes. If diabetes causes periodontal disease, and periodontal disease makes blood sugar more difficult to control, then patients need to avoid a vicious circle by treating both conditions. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, and brushing after every meal is even better... - choose toothpaste with fluoride. - brush all sides of each tooth and the tongue. (Yes, plaque can form on the tongue as well as the teeth). - floss at least once a day. Wrap the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape and rub the floss up and down. - use an antiseptic, fluoride, or anti-plaque mouthwash at least once a day. - visit your dentist twice a year or as recommended, and any time you notice bleeding gums. Good nutrition is good for your mouth as well as the rest of your body, so eat plenty of healthful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid refined sugars for both dental health and controlling your blood sugar. Peanuts are helpful for clearing bacteria out of your mouth and are a good source of plant protein. How do you start to create a healthy lifestyle today so you can avoid damage to your teeth and gums? For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.