Bleeding Gums and Diabetes from a Dental Hygienists’ Perspective
Diabetes is characterized by the bodies’ inability to process the sugar in the body. To discuss all of the issues and risk factors associated with this disease is a task that I am not embarking on at the moment.
I have, however, found a site that seems to give an easy to read and bulleted points to look for if you may be interested. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002194/
As a Hygienist I have had the opportunity to see many people that suffer with diabetes. Many have control of their sugar levels, but more often than not patients have a very difficult time being able to get a good grasp on their disease. A situation that is daunting for patients and health care practitioners alike.
Correlation Between Bleeding Gums and Diabetes
I believe and have seen throughout the years that there is a great deal of correlation between bleeding gums and diabetes. Currently research is being conducted to determine if chronic periodontal disease leads to diabetes, it’s beginning to look like a “who came first, the chicken or the egg” situation. When the gums are infected and bleeding two important things are happening.
The bacteria from the mouth is entering the bloodstream, which causes the body to focus on ridding itself of the negative bacteria instead of controlling the sugars.
The gum tissue, like the rest of the body has a harder time healing itself. Often people with bleeding gums and diabetes have a tendency to develop more rapid infections.
Good oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of controlling this disease. Often people with diabetes have tender gums, which makes it uncomfortable to really focus on the gums when floss and brushes are expected to be used. I have coached many patients over the years into simply irrigating with the Hydro Floss oral irrigator. Once the gum tissue is feeling better they can then begin on brushing the gums in a way which massages the gum tissue. This will encourage oxygen and blood flow to the tissues which is a problem for diabetics throughout the body.
Change Your Routine and Irrigate with the Hydrofloss Once a Day
I was able to see a patient last week who began using the Hydro Floss only 3 months ago and he was excited to tell me that his A1c blood test results had gone from 8.3 to 7.1. A1c blood tests measure the blood sugar levels from the past 3 months. His only change in routine was irrigation with the hydrofloss once a day. He is now off of his supplemental meds and is looking forward to his next test. Something that he has never looked forward to! Although 7.1 is still considered high (7.0 or lower is a controlled range), he is well on his way in just 3 short months. The Hydro Floss irrigator has a 30 day money back guarantee with over 20 years of proven results!
I honestly feel it is the single most effective tool I have seen in oral health care in the nearly 20 years I have been in dentistry. I have recommended them for nearly 10 years as a hygienist, and time and time again am amazed at the results patients achieve with one single tool!
