Southern California Biological Dental Wellness Office explains Adult Type II Diabetes and Gum Disease:

Type 2 non-insulin resistant diabetes was discovered the 1930’s. Since the discovery, scientist along with the World Health Organization have further categorized millions of adults into either a pre-diabetes stage or type 2 diabetes. Many experts state that diet and exercise can keep the insulin levels at bay, thus preventing any need for medication. Also, many Naturopathic physicians believe that eliminating trans-fats in the diet and increasing healthy fats will help eliminate any need for diabetes medication. However in the past 20 years, dental research has proven that the lack of oral care can drastically affect the insulin levels in a negative way and vice versa.

Currently research is taking place to determine which comes first….periodontal disease (gum disease) or type 2 diabetes. For now, we know that decreasing inflammation in the body as well as the mouth helps to maintain insulin levels at a controllable level. When plaque is left along the gum line, the gum tissue becomes inflamed and may bleed. This is a sign of infection in the mouth and should be not taken lightly, especially with a diabetic. Patients’ with diabetes have a decreased immune system which has a difficult time fighting the “bad bugs” that come with periodontal/gum disease. Wound healing is also decreased in diabetes, thus the gum tissue has difficulty in healing itself naturally.

Steps to take to protect your oral health from diabetes:
frequent toothbrushing at least twice daily

floss every day preferably in the evening

frequent dental hygiene cleanings in intervals of 3 months

participate in a healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise

take high quality essential fatty-acids to help decrease total body inflammation

If you are interested to discover if your gum tissue is healthy or in need of TLC from my experienced Riverside Bioidentical Cosmetic dental office, please call us at (951)686-3666.