Watch those gums, you may just have diabetes.
By Paul W. Fitzgerald
It’s a staggering fact that thousands of Americans are suffering from diabetes and they don’t even know it.
“There are many people out there who have had bleeding gums and they don’t do anything about it – they just ignore it,” says Dr. Taxin during an interview.”
He indicates that bleeding gums is what dentists call periodontal disease, which is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.
“In people with diabetes there is an increased incidence of periodontal disease,” says Dr. Taxin.
“We still don’t know the precise reasons why people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease, and this is an ongoing area of research.”
He indicates that there are probably several factors which are important, including: the immune system may not function properly in people with diabetes, thereby increasing the risk of periodontal disease; excess lipid tissue (body fat) in obese people with diabetes may produce chemicals which make the gums more likely to become inflamed; damage to capillaries (the small delicate blood vessels) in the gums may reduce the blood supply to the gums, thereby limiting the actions of defense cells; and wound healing is impaired in diabetes, and therefore, healing in the gums is also reduced.
“It is very important for all people with diabetes to visit a dentist regularly, so that any gum problems can be detected and treated before they become too severe,” explains Dr. Taxin.
“People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, especially if their diabetes is poorly controlled. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are particularly important in people with diabetes.”
He also stresses that if people keep their gums healthy, it is easier to keep blood sugar under control.
“It all comes down to having healthy gums and this requires daily attention and regular visits to dentists, like myself.”
In all, periodontal disease attacks just below the gum; in which causes the supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged it creates a deeper pocket around the tooth. Once someone has periodontal disease it’s not reversible, but can indeed be controlled.
“Periodontal disease can also cause heart attacks, strokes and birth defects. There is new evidence growing that besides smoking, alcohol use and drug use during pregnancy can cause low birth weight, also periodontal disease is becoming a new risk factor.”
Dr. Taxin highlights research that has recently been conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology, an organization that has several theories that link periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks and strokes.
“In all, regular check ups and teeth cleaning is key to catching diabetes while also reducing other severe health implications like strokes and heart attacks,” says Dr. Taxin.
“The gums for dentists tell a story of one’s health,” he adds. “If we can spot it early enough, then we can treat it and help the patient get the help they need in living with diabetes.”
Dr. Taxin also offers athletes (amateur and professional) in Hopewell Junction with the
Pure Power Mouthguard. The PPM is a
high tech mouthguard that aligns an athlete’s jaw, placing it into its optimal position. Research shows that when one’s jaw is properly aligned, their strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion and oxygen flow is significantly improved.
The inventor of the
Pure Power Mouthguard is Dr. Anil Makkar. Both Dr. Taxin and Dr. Makkar have studied and trained extensively at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Studies.
Top athletes who have experienced the benefits of the PPM include three-time PGA tour winner Scott McCarron, world champion skier Bode Miller, four-time NBA championship winner Shaquille O’Neal and Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints Cornerback Tracy Porter.
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Paul Fitzgerald
President and CEO
Salt & Pepper Media Inc.
E-mail:
paul@saltandpeppermediainc.com
Web:
www.saltandpeppermediainc.com
Phone: 1-647-722-3320 (Toronto, Canada)
Phone: 1-905-630-0791 (Greater Toronto Area, Canada)
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Phone: 1-347-594-2552 (NY, USA )
Phone: +44(0)20-337-174-39 (London, UK)
