Largo Periodontist Is Your Secret Weapon In the Fight Against Diabetes

Is your Largo periodontist your secret weapon in the fight against diabetes? Many of the nation’s medical experts, including those at the American Diabetes Association, are starting to believe that the health of your gums has a direct effect on preventing and controlling diabetes. Largo periodontist Carl Panzarella is one of those dentists who takes the connection between gum health and general health very seriously. His Largo general dentistry practice has been providing non-surgical gum therapy to patients for over 25 years.

Connections Between Diabetes and Periodontal Care

According to studies released between 2005 and 2009, adults with higher than usual incidences of periodontitis – a gum disease characterized by swollen gums, bleeding gums, sensitive gums and bone loss – are almost twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who have better gum health. Researchers aren’t entirely certain whether poor gum health is a contributing factor to diabetes development or merely an early indicator. Further studies may show what the Largo general dentist is already seeing in their practice – improved dental health often leads to an improvement in the control of diabetes.

What Your Largo Periodontist Should Know

The Academy of General Dentistry strongly suggests that people who already are aware that they have diabetes should discuss their condition with their periodontist. Diabetes increases the risk of infection of all types, including gum infections and gum disease. In addition, your doctor may have prescribed medications for you that can interfere with medications commonly used in general dentistry.

What Your Periodontist Knows

Chronic gum disease and frequent gum infections tell your dentist that there is something amiss with your system. Conversely, improving your dental health reduces the risks of developing not only diabetes, but high blood pressure, stroke and cardiac disease. In fact, the most recent research, which lists chronic gum disease as a more frequent cause of ischemic strokes than diabetes – has surprised even dentists and periodontists.

Prevent Chronic Disease Through Better Dental Care

It’s never too late to practice prevention. If you’ve neglected your mouth and gums, a Largo periodontist can help get you back on track with gum therapy treatments and education on the proper care of your gums.