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World Diabetes Day and Your Smile | Schnecksville Dentist

Diabetes is a condition that affects so many. If you don’t have it, you may know someone that does. It’s a disease that affects over 400 million adults worldwide, with the projection of 642 million by 2040. Unfortunately, these frightening statistics only account for the diagnosed, which could account for many more. This is a serious issue – so much so, in 1991, the International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organization created World Diabetes Day on November 14th to raise awareness of this terrible disease affecting so many of us.

I know that you’re thinking – what does diabetes have to do with my smile? But there is actually a direct link between diabetes and dental health, and it revolves mainly around sugar.

We all know that sugar isn’t good for us. Well, an overindulgence of sugar isn’t good for us. It affects our blood sugar levels, something that needs to be controlled when diabetic. But it also causes cavities, which is why we go through our dental hygiene routine twice a day. If we allow the sugar to remain on our teeth, the bacteria will feed on it while wreaking havoc on our teeth. On top of that, if left untreated, high glucose levels can cause gum disease.

Do you see? It’s like a cycle – you have too much sugar in our system, we cause our blood sugar levels to go out of whack. If our levels are out of whack, it can cause gum disease and cavities. Not only that, but immune systems can become affected by not managing your diabetes. So, if you need dental surgery, it may even take longer to heal. It’s important to take care of yourself and your diabetes.

For more information about diabetes and your dental health, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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What You Need to Know to Keep Your Gums Healthy | Schnecksville Dentist

We may not know exactly what gum disease is, but we know we don’t want to have it. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth. Because gum disease is typically painless, you may not even know you have it. And this is why you really need to keep your dental appointments – they are the only ones that can diagnose periodontal disease.

But what causes gum disease? Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease, ranging from hormonal changes, certain illnesses, medications, genetics to poor dental hygiene and bad habits, like smoking.

Gum disease may progress without producing obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. But there are some symptoms you may want to keep in mind. If you find you have any of these symptoms over time, it’s time to check in with your dental professional:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting down

Thankfully, it isn’t difficult to keep gum disease at bay. Make sure you brush, floss and rinse with fluoride every single day. Choose to eat healthy and clean. Munching on healthy snacks and chewing sugar-free gum will produce saliva, the way we rinse our mouths naturally. If you are a smoker, make an effort to stop. Not only is tobacco use bad for you overall, but it wreaks havoc on your mouth. And lastly, keep your dental appointments in order to ensure all of your efforts are doing the job.

For more information about gum disease, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.