While you likely know that it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums, you may not be aware of the connection between proper oral health and diabetes.
Diabetes is a group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood. Eventually, these diseases can be disabling or life-threatening, affecting the heart, nerves, and other areas of the body. Because of its relationship with periodontal disease, patients in Beverly Hills who have diabetes need to pay extra attention to gum-related problems.
The Connection to Periodontal Disease
The link between diabetes and periodontal disease has been well documented in scientific literature, including in this consensus report from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).
If you are living with diabetes, you’re more likely to develop periodontal disease and are at greater risk of losing teeth. This may be because diabetics are susceptible to contracting infections. Those who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.
Simultaneously, periodontal disease makes it more difficult to control symptoms of diabetes. The inflammation it causes can affect your sensitivity to insulin and create unhealthy levels of blood sugar.
What Does This Mean for Patients with Periodontal Disease in Beverly Hills?
If you aren’t sure whether you have diabetes, you should know that managing periodontal disease can lower your risk of developing the condition. Understanding your health history and family medical history can help you be aware of your personal risk and recognize symptoms.
If you have diabetes:
- Seek treatment for any periodontal problems. Delaying care puts you at greater risk of losing teeth and bone structure.
- The good news is that the right periodontal treatment can eliminate oral infection. As a result, your doctor may actually prescribe a decrease in your insulin use.
Dr. Anson’s Approach to Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
We invite patients in Beverly Hills and the surrounding areas to visit our practice for an initial consultation, whether by referral or based on oral health problems they’ve begun to notice.
During your appointment, Dr. Anson will take the time to talk with you about your concerns and conduct a comprehensive examination. He will also discuss your medical and family health history. As an experienced periodontist and a leader in the field, he has special experience related to periodontal disease and various medical conditions that are linked to it.
If Dr. Anson identifies risk factors related to diabetes, he will advise you about next steps to take with your general practitioner. He regularly coordinates his services with medical doctors, dentists, and other oral health professionals to provide patients with the care they need.
If you are diabetic, Dr. Anson will take this into account when planning treatment. His highest priority is patient safety, and he will talk with you about options for addressing periodontal disease that are appropriate for your condition.
