Absolute Dental's Guide; Diabetes and Dental Health… there is a link

Dental care and hygiene is vitally important as part of good health
For diabetics, problems with the teeth and gums can be more common and more serious than for the average person.
For this reason, if you have diabetes, dental care is even more important and being aware of how best to look after your teeth is an essential part of learning to live with both type I and type II diabetes.
Diabetes and gum diseases
Gum disease is a very common infection and occurs when bacteria within the mouth begins to form into a sticky plaque which sits on the surface of the tooth.
Over time, if this is not removed by regular brushing using the correct technique, a gum inflammation called gingivitis can develop.
Gingivitis
Symptoms of gingivitis can include:
Red and swollen gums
Bleeding will often occur whilst brushing.
Gum disease will stem from untreated gingivitis, and in turn the teeth will begin to decay.
One unfortunate side effect of diabetes and high blood glucose levels is the fact that any infection in or on the body will spread more easily.
Keeping blood glucose levels under control reduces the risk of infection spreading. Unfortunately, when your body begins to fight an infection, blood glucose levels will usually rise in response. Should the infection in your mouth become worse, your food intake could be affected, further affecting your diabetes.
Ways to ensure good dental hygiene as a diabetic
Making sure that you visit a dentist every six months ensures that any infection will be treated as early as possible. Minor dental problems can quickly escalate, and a routine visit to the dentist will pick up on these.

Dental hygiene, diabetes, and heart problems
Diabetes can cause excess cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream.
If your gums also have an infection that isn’t treated quickly then bacteria from the infected gums can flow into the bloodstream.
In turn, this may intensify the speed at which arteries are clogged by cholesterol. As a diabetic, make sure that you look after both your teeth and your gums, and visit your dentist regularly.
Diabetes, the toothbrush, and brushing techniques
A good quality toothbrush can make all the difference to a brushing routine. Toothbrushes should have soft nylon bristles with rounded ends. They should be used gently and feel comfortable in the hand. At Absolute Dental, our team of dentists and hygienists will have advice about the best type of toothbrush to use and will work with you to maintain a home care programme suitable for your individual needs.
Visiting us at Absolute
Stressing out about visiting the dentist is a bad idea, because it could make your blood sugar levels rise. We will look after you
Always tell us if you do have diabetes or indeed suspect you have diabetes, it allows us to look after you.
For any further advice do call us on 01548 852165
Written By Emma

absolute dental a window on general health

Your mouth - A window on your general health
Did you know that your dental health can offer clues about your overall health? Or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Here at Absolute Dental, our dentists, hygienists and therapists are trying to help you understand this intimate connection.
What's the connection between dental health and overall health?
Like it or not, our mouths are full of bacteria — but relax, most of them are harmless. Normally the body's immune system and good oral health care, such as twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Also, some dental procedures, medications, or treatments that reduce saliva flow, can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth.
Your dental health may affect/be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
Endocarditis. Gum disease and certain dental procedures may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).
Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from a severe form of gum disease.
Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, leading to tooth loss.
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren's syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.
Absolute Dental will regularly ask you to complete a medical update to check if there are any changes to your general well-being since your last visit and you should let us know if you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition or are taking regular medication.
Good oral health can be promoted by:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
Floss daily.
Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Schedule regular dental checkups.
Also, watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact your dentist as soon as a problem arises. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
Written By Diane

Absolute dental health

Smoking-your gums up in smoke?
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as mouth cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

How does smoking increase your risk for periodontal disease? As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have the following problems:

Calculus – plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning with a hygienist.

Deep pockets between your teeth and gums.
Loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth.
If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress.The pockets between your teeth and gums can grow deeper, allowing in more bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. As a result, the gums may shrink away from the teeth making them look longer. Without treatment, your teeth may become loose, painful and even fall out.

Research shows that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers do. In fact, only about 20% of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 % of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

In addition, research shows that current smokers don't heal as well as former smokers or nonsmokers.

But these effects are reversible if the smokers manage to give up.

At Absolute Dental the health of the lining of the mouth is screened for abnormalities at every dental health assessment we also reinforce the importance of self awareness by our patients.
For more information on giving up smoking please go to http://www.smokefree.nhs.uk/ or visit your GP.

Written by Kelly