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Diabetes is a disease which is as complex in its origins as it is in the complications it brings about. From your heart, to your kidneys, your eyes and even your nervous system there's barely a part of your body diabetes leaves untouched if mismanaged. To add to this already bludgeoning string of ailments is periodontal disease. As the name suggests, periodontal literally translates into 'around your teeth' and is a chronic bacterial infection that plagues your gums and the bone which supports your teeth. How ever, this ailment is as two-toned as diabetes, not just resulting as an outcome of the disease, but also interfering in the process of diabetes management on the whole. Thus, even as the hapless diabetic grapples with periodontal disease, this infection is further wrecking his management program, making it even harder for him to keep his condition in control. Periodontal disease first takes root when bacteria begin to develop in the plaque around your teeth. This causes your gum to become inflamed, and can occur in a single tooth, or spread all over your jaw. Diabetics are common prey for periodontal disease as the high glucose levels in their bloodstream allows the bacteria nourishment to feed on. Also, the poor blood circulation most diabetics suffer from further compounds the problem, as the teeth when starved of oxygen and nourishment are quick to contract disease. Periodontal disease is characterized by two distinct phases of development, beginning at a mild, almost imperceptible stage, which is quick to move on when opportunity strikes. At its earliest stage, periodontal disease inflames and aggravates the gums making them swollen, and can even cause bleeding. This stage is known as Gingivitis and is a relatively milder phase to deal with as correctional measures include simple brushing and flossing of your teeth, while also getting the dentist to clean them regularly. However, if these measures are not implemented, the disease proceeds to the next phase called periodontitis, which is far more severe and painful. Here, the plaque on your teeth grows hard and tough, depositing under your gums until they lead your tissue to pull away from your teeth, thus creating 'pockets' of infection. This form of concentrated damage afflicts the bone which fastens your teeth and can, over a period of time, lead to tooth loss. This phase, which is called periodontitis, rapidly develops from the initial Gingivitis stage and is barely imperceptible on account of lack of symptoms at the nascent levels. Tooth pain and wobbly teeth, which are the first palpable signs, are also indications that the disease has progressed to a secondary level and requires immediate attention. to ensure early diagnosis, if you find that your bleeding and inflammation do not stop even after you have complied with all the basic procedures, bring the matter to your dentist's attention at once. You can also refer to a periodontist for a more specialized prognosis of your condition at this phase. Your dentist, or periodontist as the case may be, will attempt to treat this disease by prying the plaque and infected tissue off your gums and teeth and letting them heal, so that the healthy gum tissue can grow back and cover the pockets. Make sure you follow up this treatment by being meticulous about brushing and flossing regularly, so that the disease does not rebound. If this treatment does prove ineffective, your dentist might have to seek recourse to surgery to treat your gums and extract the disease, so that you don't have to have your infected tooth extracted to secure the remainder of your pearly whites. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes when your periodontal condition is detected, make sure that your dentist is aware about your condition and the treatment that has been prescribed to you. Treatment, if any, may require your insulin and meal patterns to be tweaked so that your periodontal treatment does not hamper your diabetes management. If possible, get your physician to have a word with your dentist before you begin treatment to avoid any unintentional repercussions. If your diabetes management is not quite up to the mark, your dentist may even deem it necessary that you postpone your periodontal treatment until your glucose levels are better controlled. The poor blood circulation which diabetes brings about makes healing and recovery more lengthy and excruciating than otherwise. Again, periodontal disease is another one of those ailments which is easy to reverse if diagnosis and correctional measures are taken in time. At this point, even though diabetes may seem like an overwhelming impediment, it does help to remember that keeping your diabetes management intact can go a long way in ensuring that these diseases are kept at bay for a large majority of your life. Even if you have been allowing your diabetes to get the better of you, it's time to sit up and take control right now with just a little awareness and a few lifestyle changes, you could be bidding periodontal disease a permanent goodbye!
Article Source: http://www.writedot.com
Julia Hanf has authored the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win. Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Meet Julia at Your Diabetes Cure at www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about how you can prevent diabetes.
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