ARE YOUR GUMS BLEEDING? YOU COULD BE AT RISK OF DIABETES

The evidence linking general health and the health of your teeth and gums is growing.

Dr Lavery works closely with her patient’s doctors to achieve optimal health, as a part of her integrated approach to health.

Diabetic patients in particular benefit from this multidisciplinary care.

Smoking, poor diet and alcohol consumption are risk factors for chronic disease, which are also risk factors for gum disease and tooth decay.

Gum disease is a chronic disease of the gums, leading to the destruction of the bone supporting the teeth, and ultimately tooth loss.

Nearly a quarter of the adult Australian population is diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis, which Dr Lavery feels is a staggering number.

A recent Melbourne study has shown that of the patients presenting to their dentist with gum disease, many were UNDIAGNOSED DIABETIC AND PRE DIABETIC!

This means that if you have or experience one of the common signs of gum disease such as red, bleeding gums, painful gums or loose painful teeth, then an assessment by your doctor for undiagnosed diabetes would be advisable by Dr Lavery.

How Treatment Can Help

A 2015 Cochrane review showed that treating gum disease in diabetic patients with regular scaling cleans led to improved diabetic sugar level tests results for 4 months.

This suggests that ongoing regular gum cleaning and maintenance as a part of routine diabetic care would be beneficial for patients.

In addition, poor oral health is linked to heart disease and pneumonia in the elderly and in pregnant women can lead to childhood decay in their children.

Dr Lavery is passionate about treating gum disease as the health of the gums can greatly improve with proper care. It follows her philosophy of integrated health care to optimise the health of all her patients. If you have bleeding, red or sore gums, it is an indicator that your gums are unhealthy and Dr Lavery urges you to get in touch to optimise your gum health today!

While we are located in Winston Hills, we also service Northmead, Baulkham Hills, and Bella Vista areas.