COLUMBUS, OH – Diabetes is a very serious chronic disease that is affecting more and more American’s each year. Diabetes produces abnormally high levels of sugar in the patients blood due to a lack of insulin being produced in the pancreas. Diabetic patients are highly susceptible to infections and other chronic diseases as side effects of the disease. One of the most common infections is periodontal or gum disease and it is one that most diabetic patients can prevent.
The International Diabetes Foundation has made a point of stressing the importance for diabetics to have optimal dental health in their clinical guidelines. Diabetics are particularly susceptible to periodontal disease. According to Dr. Sam Low, President of the American Academy of Periodontology “Periodontal disease triggers the body’s inflammatory response which can affect insulin sensitivity and ultimately lead to unhealthy blood sugar levels. Establishing routine periodontal care is one way to keep diabetes under control.”
Regular dental hygiene visits every three to four months will help minimize the risks of periodontal disease. If you are a diabetic patient or have been told that your may be borderline diabetic a healthy smile can help you keep your disease under control. Please contact us at 614-454-3488 to arrange a comprehensive examination by Dr. Mark Levy.