Diabetes is a common and under diagnosed problem. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to remind you of this. According to the CDC, about 11 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, and 38 percent of adults have prediabetes. 

Gum health is linked to diabetes. Diabetics are three times more likely to get gum disease than non-diabetics, as this American Dental Association video explains. An infection in your gums raises your blood sugar, which makes it difficult to manage the condition. High blood sugar also makes you more likely to suffer from heart disease.

We are more proactive than other dentists when it comes to gum health. When you visit for a cleaning and exam, we perform a complete oral bacterial test, checking a gum sample using a microscope. If necessary, we’ll follow up with testing by an outside lab. We use this information to create a personalized treatment plan that helps you maintain healthy gums. 

If we find gum disease, we’ll also perform a quick A1C test. This reveals your average blood glucose levels from the past three months. This helps us assess your risk of diabetes. If your A1C test results indicate that you may currently have or be at risk of diabetes, we’d discuss a holistic approach to controlling this condition. Dr. Porter works closely with several doctors in the area, and he is happy to connect you to the best resource to get the help you need.

We’ll also treat your gum disease using bacteria gum therapy and/or laser therapy. To reverse any gum recession, we can use  PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) treatment. Simply put, we take a small blood sample and create a substance that supercharges your body’s natural healing process. 

To schedule your next exam and cleaning, call Synergy Dental Center at 307-228-7115 (Gillette, WY) or 605-206-6200 (Sturgis, SD) today. If you notice any signs of gum disease, such as tender or bleeding gums, call us ASAP. The sooner we can see you, the better.