Geller Dentistry Blog

The human body is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organ systems. We’re constantly learning about the surprising connections that exist within the body — like recent news that snacking on a handful of nuts can greatly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Time to stock up on the almonds!

Your dentist in Larchmont knows it’s not just what you eat that affects your heart health. Did you know that the health of your gums dramatically impacts your cardiovascular system? Patients with gum disease are far more likely to experience heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other serious issues.

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Now that we’re in the midst of fall, with winter fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about renewing your insurance benefit for next year. This is when many plans have their open enrollment, and while you’re reviewing your benefits you may want to ensure that you’ve utilized your 2016 benefit to the fullest. Your dentist in Larchmont Village discusses maximizing your insurance benefit.

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You like to be prepared for the Friday night Shabbat. Not only is the food ready early, but you try to know everything you can about the guests that are coming. Where did they go to school? What do they do? Do you know their parents? You’re more than happy to take a little extra effort so everything goes smoothly. The same approach can also help your teeth. While regularly visiting your Hancock Park dentist is a great way to keep your teeth healthy, it all starts with your home dental care routine. Drs. Benjamin and Gloria Geller want you to know how to keep your teeth healthy between visits. (more…)

If you’re missing multiple teeth you can understand how challenging daily life becomes. Your diet and nutrition suffers because you can’t properly chew your food. Your self-esteem and confidence suffer because you may feel embarrassed about the appearance of your smile, you may even begin to feel a little hopeless. Did you know that your oral health is suffering too? Tooth loss leads to more tooth loss because your remaining teeth are at a higher risk of periodontal disease or fractures, while your bone deteriorates eliminating the support structure for your remaining teeth. Dentures from your dentist in Larchmont village may be the solution you’re looking for.

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Imagine what it would be like to chew and eat all the foods you love with no difficulty. Imagine how you would feel if you could smile freely in the next family photo. Imagine what it would feel like to be confident about the appearance of your smile again. When you’re missing one or more of your teeth, it greatly affects the quality of your daily life, and it’s always on your mind. The good news is that you may be a candidate for dental implants in Larchmont village.

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When it comes to severe periodontal disease, patients with diabetes are a heightened risk for developing serious infections and experiencing detrimental gum tissue and bone density reduction. It’s important to make sure your dentist knows about your condition so we can take special care during your twice annual dental exams and cleanings. It may even be recommended you see the dentist more often for cleanings to reduce the chance of oral complications.

Diabetes and Gum Health

Patients who suffer from gum disease know the difficulties they face when it comes to avoiding and fighting infection. Gum disease is one form of infection that diabetes sufferers should be acutely aware of in order to protect their dental and overall health. Periodontal (gum) disease occurs when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria and sugar) adheres to the teeth at and below the gum line. This acidic film irritates soft tissue causing a mild form of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. Left untreated, irritated gums develop sores, and these sores become infected. This is a more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Because diabetes impedes the body’s natural healing process, diabetics who suffer from periodontitis are more likely than non-diabetic suffers to experience tooth loss, jawbone density degradation, and serious health risks such as blood clots and heart disease.

The research is inconclusive on whether diabetes causes gum disease, but there is an undeniable link between the two chronic illnesses. One possible causal relationship pointed to by recent studies is dry mouth. A side effect of many diabetes medications and diabetes itself, dry mouth allows more bacterial growth since saliva is the body’s natural bacteria neutralizer. Insulin resistance and gum disease have also been linked since the body’s ability to breakdown and properly utilize key nutrients begins in the mouth. Increased levels of sugar in the body raise the acidity of bacteria in the mouth, and thus, make it more difficult for saliva to neutralize the acidic plaque.

Tips for Diabetics with Gum Disease

• Control blood glucose levels – the best way to ensure oral health is to improve overall wellbeing by getting blood glucose levels under control which allows the body to effectively heal damaged gum tissue.
• Floss and brush daily – outstanding oral health care is essential. Keep teeth clean and free of excess sugars. Consider brushing or using a sugar-free, antimicrobial rinse between meals.
• Visit the dentist regularly – your dentist recommends twice annual dental cleanings and exams for most patients, but diabetics who have or have had gum disease may want to consider more frequent visits.
• Give up the sugary drinks and foods – as a diabetic this is likely already part of your routine, but many diabetics still drink diet carbonated beverages. While the artificial sugars in these drinks may not affect blood glucose, they can still be harmful to oral health.
• Keep dentists and physicians informed – communicate any changes you’ve encountered in your blood glucose level to your dentist and any gum disease concerns to your physician.
• Pay close attention to your bite – if you notice that your gums look larger or smaller or that your teeth feel loose, these could be indicators of gum disease. Visit your dentist in Los Angeles immediately. For denture wearers, take notice if your denture or partial feels loose or uncomfortable, or if attaching your prosthetic is painful.

Need Treatment for Gum Disease?

Geller Dentistry offers outstanding treatment for gum disease in Los Angeles. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for detrimental dental health effects associated with gum disease, but our superior dental practice offers the care patients with diabetes need to maintain gum health. Call to schedule an appointment today.