girl smiling holding blood sugar monitorAlthough diabetes has become a fairly common disease in most recent years, it is still very serious and should be managed properly to avoid damaging effects on the body. These damaging effects include threats to your oral that can greatly influence your orthodontic treatment.

Diabetes and Gum Disease

The connection between diabetes and periodontal disease is closer than most people think. Did you know that those with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease? For this reason, it is important for people with diabetes to understand its effects and practice good oral hygiene before, during and after orthodontic treatment.

Simply put, gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the soft tissue that holds the teeth in place. It is caused by a buildup of bacteria not removed with regular brushing and flossing. While diabetes can increase the chances of getting gum disease, it can also be affected by gum disease itself. Gum disease in those with diabetes raise their risk for developing things like kidney disease heart disease and stroke.

Diabetes and Orthodontics

Periodontal disease puts added stress on the gums, which can complicate orthodontic treatment. Braces also cause stress on the gums due to the movement of teeth. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may have to end early due to gum disease. If you or someone you know is undergoing treatment with diabetes, consider the following tips:

Signs and Symptoms

If you suspect possible gum disease during orthodontic treatment, contact our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you experience any of the following:

Dr. Christy Fortney and our experienced staff will conduct a thorough evaluation of your teeth to determine if treatment should be stopped or other another form of action needs to be taken. Gum disease is best fought when caught early so don’t wait until things get worse. Contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!