Magnesium Deficiencies, Oral Health, and Diabetes
October 3, 2013
Recent studies have established a connection between a lack of magnesium in the body and type 2 diabetes. More specifically, a patient with a magnesium deficiency is at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. What’s more, it was found that oral supplementation of magnesium to non-diabetic patients led to a reduced risk of developing the disease. In fact, those with a high intake of magnesium were significantly less likely to develop it as those with lower magnesium intake.
What does this have to do with your oral health? There isn’t an overwhelming connection, but dentistry isn’t just about treating cavities and gum disease—it’s also about encouraging patients to make smarter nutritional choices on a daily basis.
There is, however, a connection between oral health and a condition like diabetes. When untreated gum disease is allowed to become a serious problem, patients with diabetes are more likely to experience complications. Does your family have a history of diabetes? Then it’s important to take a careful look at how you’re eating on a daily basis and how well you’re taking care of your smile. We recommend brushing twice a day and flossing at least once, with regular visits to Dr. Goldstein’s Randolph dental office.
Do you have questions about nutrition, or about your own oral health? Dr. Goldstein of Randolph Dental Care is happy to help. Call our Randolph dental office today to schedule an appointment with our friendly, knowledgeable dental team. We’re happy to serve patients from Randolph, Rockaway, Mendham, Chester, Morristown, Denville, Morris County, and all surrounding areas.
What You Need to Know About Diabetes and Gum Disease
August 12, 2013
We’ve said it on the blog before—gum disease doesn’t just affect your oral health. It’s also been linked to a variety of health conditions in the rest of the body, including diabetes.
But what exactly is the relationship between gum disease and diabetes? That’s what we’d like to spend some time talking about today.
The true nature of that relationship isn’t fully understood yet, but researchers do know that it runs two ways. On the one hand, the infection caused by caused gum disease raises the body’s blood sugar levels, increasing a diabetic’s chance of experiencing complications. On the other hand, a patient with diabetes is more susceptible to developing an infection because of the differences in his blood sugar. So regardless of whether one causes the other, or vice versa, a link definitely exists between them.
That means regular checkups are essential for monitoring gum health. Even if you’re not diabetic, you may still have a mild form of gum disease.
Dr. Goldstein provides effective periodontal therapy with scaling, root planing, laser and Arestin, a topical antibiotic that can help you fight infection. Are you concerned about your gums?
Call Randolph Dental Care today to schedule an appointment with us. Dr. Goldstein provides excellent periodontal therapy to patients from Randolph, Rockaway, Mendham, Chester, Morristown, Denville, Morris County, and beyond.
