Hello, my name is Karla Madison and this is my blog about the importance of dental care during pregnancy. When I was pregnant with my second child, my gums would bleed when I brushed my teeth. I went to my dentist and he told me that I had pregnancy gingivitis. He also informed me that this is a common condition for pregnant women because their hormones are changing during pregnancy. I followed the instructions of my dentist and my gums stopped bleeding and were healthy again. I also started doing research about the importance of dental care during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, you should read this blog to learn why it's so important to keep up with dental care while pregnant. This blog will give you the information you need so that you can have healthy teeth and gums during your pregnancy.
Anyone living with diabetes needs to be vigilant with their health, and this includes their dental health. Gingivitis is one of the most common forms of periodontal disease and isn't necessarily serious. But when someone with diabetes experiences the onset and rapid escalation of gingivitis symptoms, what does it mean?
Gum Inflammation
As you may already know, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It's caused by a bacterial infection. Your gums may look red, and can even look slightly inflamed (swollen), although the condition is generally painless. Even the mildest of stimulation (such as from brushing and flossing) can cause your gums to bleed.
Non-Destructive
Gingivitis itself is non-destructive, which is why it's not necessarily serious. It doesn't affect your jawbone and is limited to the soft tissues of your gums. Your gums are in fact infected, and this is often due to the accumulation of a bacterial biofilm on your teeth (plaque), which has inflamed your gums. Without periodontal disease treatment, gingivitis can lead to more significant periodontal conditions. Your jaw may become infected, leading to the destruction of bone tissue, and even tooth loss.
Diabetes and Gingivitis
Your own gingivitis may largely be plaque-related, but your diabetes can amplify your symptoms. Diabetes increases the level of glucose in your saliva and other oral fluids—especially when diabetes isn't well-managed. This glucose can be a food source for oral bacteria, promoting the growth of plaque, which contributes to gingivitis. Remember that your gingivitis is technically an oral infection, and this infection can affect your blood sugar levels, which can impact your ability to manage your diabetes.
Under Control
The most important step is to get your oral bacteria under control. Gingivitis can generally be reversed with a professional dental cleaning, which is an essential preventative measure for periodontal disease. Plaque will be removed during this cleaning, and so will tartar. Tartar is also called calculus, because it's calcified (hardened) plaque—which can't be removed with a toothbrush. Once the bacterial biofilm has been scaled away from your teeth, your own immune system should take care of the rest. The infection in your gums will subside, meaning they will no longer be red and inflamed, nor will they be prone to bleeding.
Diabetes has an unfortunate relationship with gingivitis, and it seems as though one condition can encourage the other. The trick is to maintain a diet that is healthy for both your teeth and your diabetes and to attend your regular dental checkups—which should stop your plaque and tartar from getting out of control.
To learn more about periodontal disease treatment, reach out to your dentist.
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