Gum Disease and Infection

Types Of Problems

Thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth that causes white spots on the tongue. It may cause soreness or a burning sensation in the mouth and may be the result of an increase in the amount of sugar in the saliva. Treatment includes prescription medications such as rinses, ointments, lozenges, or pills.

Dry Mouth (also called xerostomia) is a lack of saliva that makes eating and speaking more difficult and can cause a bad taste and odor. Dry mouth also results in a large increase in cavities. It can be treated with prescriptive fluoride gels or rinses, or artificial saliva. Nonprescription techniques include chewing sugar-free gum or drinking water.

Causes Of Gum Disease

• High blood sugar affects the small blood vessels of the gums, reducing blood flow to the gum tissue. This contributes to gum disease and slower healing.
• Due to poorly functioning white blood cells, people with diabetes have difficulty fighting off infections in the mouth.
• Diabetes can lead to a condition known as dry mouth, which is a decrease in saliva. This can lead to infections and an increase in cavities.
• A higher level of sugar in the saliva may attract destructive bacteria.

Prevention Of Gum Disease

Gum disease is completely preventable. You just have to keep your gums healthy by keeping plaque and calculus (abnormal, solid mass) out of your mouth. For healthy gums, do the following:

• brush after meals
• brush everything: your teeth, your gums, your tongue
• floss daily
• have a thorough dental exam and cleaning every six months
• tell your dentist you have diabetes
• avoid foods high in concentrated sugar
• don't smoke
• keep blood sugar in good control

Treatment Of Gum Disease

Treatment of gum disease may be as simple as routine dental cleanings every six months. If the plaque buildup is more severe, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing may be necessary. In severe cases a dental specialist concerned with gum problems may be required to treat the gum disease.

When To Call Your Dentist

Call your dentist if you notice any of the following:

• bleeding gums when eating or brushing teeth
• painful teeth when eating or drinking anything hot or cold
• any loose teeth, sores, patches, or ulcers in the mouth
• dentures that don't fit properly

How To Care For Your Teeth And Gums

• dental exam every six months
• use a soft nylon toothbrush with rounded ends on its bristles
• brush where the teeth meet the gums
• brush the outside surfaces of the teeth in short back-and-forth strokes. Do the same for the backs of the teeth and chewing surfaces
• brush the rough upper surface of the tongue
• use dental floss between your teeth daily
• avoid foods high in concentrated sugars
• daily denture care, if needed
• keep blood sugar in good control
• do not smoke