Even the minor symptoms of gum disease, like bad breath and bleeding gums, are bad. Tooth and bone loss result from advanced cases. But a gum infection poses an especially big danger for diabetics. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, which is a good time to remind you of the connection between diabetes and gum health. 

As this American Dental Association video points out, diabetics are three times more likely than others to get gum disease. When they do, it increases their blood sugar and makes their diabetes more difficult to manage. High blood sugar has very serious effects on health, including a greater incidence of heart disease and stroke. 

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, this also includes regular dental cleanings and exams. You should see us every six months for these services. Cleanings remove disease-causing bacteria from your mouth, while exams help us identify gum disease in its earliest stage. That’s important, since that makes it easier to return your gums to health

At our office, we use a laser for gum disease treatment. It makes the process quicker and easier and facilitates faster healing. It also lets us treat diseased tissue without affecting your healthy tissue. In addition, if your gums have receded due to disease, we offer both gum grafts and a less invasive alternative called the Chao Pinhole Surgical Procedure. The Chao technique is offered by relatively few dentists.

If you notice tender or bleeding gums or any other signs of disease, call us ASAP at 248-712-1522 (Royal Oak) 248-963-1969 (New Hudson) 586-685-7937 (Sterling Heights) . You can also schedule online.