Posted by
Mithi Chinoy in
Guide & Tips Gum disease and diabetes-Health Guide
One of the lesser-known medical conditions that can affect diabetes patients is
gum disease. According to estimates, about one-third of all diabetics suffer from gum disease (periodontitis) at one or other stage of this disease.
The link between gum disease and diabetes: Diabetes can affect anyone of any age, so if it is not well managed, it can lead to gum disease. In fact, periodontal diseases can affect the bone that holds the teeth and gums in position.
When one is diagnosed with diabetes, the configuration of the blood vessels is altered. This could affect not just the flow of the blood but in turn could also weaken the gums and bone, making them liable to infection. Poorly managed diabetes could also lead to high glucose levels in oral fluids, which give bacteria caused due to gum disease, the space to grow.
Research also shows that diabetics are at a higher risk for oral conditions such as gingivitis (mild gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Since diabetics have a lower immunity, they are more prone to infection and so are at high risk for advanced gum disease.
Kinds of gum or periodontal disease: There are three kinds of periodontal diseases, ranging from mild to advanced. They are:
• Gingivitis: This is the mildest gum disease type, identified by red and swollen gums. They bleed easily while brushing or flossing but responds well to dental treatment.
• Periodontitis (mild): If one’s gingivitis is not treated, it could lead to mild Periodontitis. In this condition, the bone surrounding the tooth is eroded. Prompt and accurate dental attention can help save the tooth and any further bone erosion.
• Periodontitis (advanced): This is the severest form of gum disease. It can be identified by considerable amount of bone and tissue loss surrounding the teeth.
Dental problems due to diabetes: If you do not manage your blood glucose levels adequately, you can develop an advanced stage of gum disease and lose very many more teeth than your non-diabetic counterparts. Advanced stages of gum disease can be a serious factor that causes a rise in blood sugar and make diabetes much more difficult to manage.
Other diabetes-related problems include thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth, and dry mouth which can lead to ulcers, infections, soreness and cavities.
Ways to prevent diabetes-related dental problems:
• Control the level of your blood glucose.
• Look after your gums and teeth.
• Go for regular checkups once in six months.
• Control thrush, look after your diabetes, quit smoking and clean your dentures before and after wearing them daily.
Visiting your dentist: Don’t get stressed just because you have to visit the dentist—that’s enough to make your blood sugar levels rise. Instead, relax. Inform your doctor about your diabetes and your recent blood sugar level.
If you have unusually high blood sugar levels, this may affect your teeth and your gums may take much longer to heal. For this, your dentist may advise antibiotics which will contain the spread of infection. However, if this takes long to heal, you should speak to your diabetologist.
If you suffer from diabetes, you need to be treated differently from normal patients, so it is necessary that your dentist knows this. If there is a change in your condition, let your dentist know, so that he can alter your medication. Put off any dental procedures until your blood sugar is within normal limits.
By Mithi Chinoy
Amazon.com Price: $22.97 (as of 2010-03-13 18:56:22 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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User Reviews
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| OraMD Single Bottle - The Original Gum Disease Solution |
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| Manufacturer: Trusted Health Products |
| Customer Rating: |
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| List Price: $22.97 |
| Sale Price: $22.97 |
| Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
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| This is cool. |
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Product Description |
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OraMD is an oil based solution designed to help in your fight toward improved oral health. The oils linger in your mouth providing you with an extended period of protection after use and truly long-lasting fresh breath. The OraMD 4 Step Oral Hygiene Program (included with purchase) is designed to replace your toothpaste, mouthwash, and breath mints - saving you time, effort, and money with each use!
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Product Details |
- Replaces your toothpaste, mouthwash and breath mints.
- Includes a simple 4-Step Oral Hygiene Program for best possible results.
- 100% botanical composition. No fillers. No additives. Pure Mother Nature.
- The most aggressive anti-bacterial properties formulated from the most potent species in the world.
- Pure manufacturing process. Made in the U.S.A.
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Video Reviews |
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Customer Reviews |
 OraMD definitely works! |
| Review Date: October 20, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. E. Stachowicz, Edison, NJ USA |
I was initially skeptical of OraMD and the effectiveness of the product. All I can say is it definitely works and works well!
In the last 6 months, after what I thought was a diligent routine of brushing and flossing, my gum's began to get sore and started bleeding with vigorous brushing. A visit to my dentist revealed I had developed severe gingivitis, with some deep pockets (4-6 mm) developing around some of my molars, both upper and lower. Without treatment, the condition would worsen to full periodontal disease with the potential of loss of teeth.
After 4 visits involving painful rounds of scaling and root planing, I started to investigate any other alternatives to regular toothpaste that would help to reduce the soreness of my gum's and improve their condition. That's when I came across OraMD.
As the product description mentions, OraMD is not a paste but an oil made of the extracts of peppermint, spearmint and almond. As an oil, it clings to and coats the teeth and penetrates between the teeth and under the gum line. The OraMd website and the literature included with the order indicates that the 3 blended oils are a natural anti-bacterial that fights the build-up of plaque and the bacteria that forms between the teeth and at/under the gum line.
I initially purchased 1 bottle of the regular strength formula. First off, you don't need to use a lot during each brushing. The recommendation is to use 2 drops on your tooth brush, but I found that not to be enough so I usually use 4 drops. Then you just brush your teeth as normal, 30 seconds per quadrant. You should also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Then just rinse with water.
Within 3 days of starting use, my gums began to stop hurting and stopped bleeding. I also noted they turned from being very red around the gum line to looking pink, firm and healthy. The areas of the deepest pockets also showed improvement. My 3 month check-up after the scaling and root planing was excellent, with the hygienist complimenting me on how free of build-up and healthy my gum's looked.
My daily routine is now to brush with regular toothpaste, use a Water Pik and then end by brushing with OraMD, followed by a gargle of just water and 2-4 drops of OraMD mixed in. The results speak for themselves. My mouth, teeth, tongue and gum's feel very clean and refreshed.
Just one note of caution - being a concentrated extract of the 3 oils, OraMD has a very strong, minty taste that may take getting used to. On my first use, the oil on my tongue produced a strong tingling sensation that may take a bit to get accustomed to for some. But stick with it - within a few days you'll start to see results.
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OraMD is a god-send
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| Review Date: December 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Ted R. Smith, Irving, TX USA |
I have been using OraMD for over a year and 1/2 now as my only "toothpaste". It has basically cured me of periodontal disease and has assisted in my teeth healing themselves (so-called tooth remineralization).
Don't get the costly antibiotic treatment! Get OraMD instead! See my review on OraMD Extra Strength, too. |
Oramd= $
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| Review Date: December 25, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Amazing Asian, Washington, D.C. |
I give Oramd 4 stars. It is literally the only product I use now along w/ floss for my daily dental care. The stuff works wonders (no joke)! I like this product b/c it actually did make my gums a lot healthier; before I used Oramd I had red gums, which wasn't normal. After using Oramd for about a month my gums are actually pink now. I think it has to do w/ the fact that the product gets rid of the placque around the gum lines so well and is the reason why my gums are so healthy now. My recommendation to people who use this is that they should brush 3 times a day (once after every meal), instead of 2 times a day like the other reviewer (who likely had brown teeth b/c they brushed only 2 times a day).
Pros
- gets rid of the placque around the gum line area
- has a incredibly nice spear mint smell
- makes mouth a whole lot cleaner than regular tooth paste
- requires less force , when brushing, to get rid of the placque so you won't be brushing away at enamel and gum tisse
Cons
- Comes in a small little glass vile (lasts about 3 months if you use it 2 times a day as a tooth paste replacement), but after you've used the product it'll probably only last a month b/c of the frequent use
This is the reason why the product got a 4 instead of a 5. Also the product does not whiten your teeth (it doesn't claim to do that).
All in all I will be purchasing 3 more viles of this stuff, which will probably last 6 months if I start using it more smartly. I'd also like to add that this stuff is good for dates also, it makes your breath smell minty for around 30 mins to an 1 hour.
Thumbs up
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Great Product!!!
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| Review Date: February 5, 2010 |
| Reviewer: E. James, Baltimore, MD USA |
| I researched the difference between all of the so-called " all natural" gum disease products on the market and Ora MD is the best choice economically and practically. My teeth have never felt so clean and in one little tube you never have to worry about mouthwash or even chewing gum again. My gums have improved greatly and it is easy to carry around in your purse. The taste can be a bit strong at first but you do get use to it and it is truely all natural, just three simple ingredients. I love it!!!!OraMD 3-Pack - 4-Step Oral Hygiene for Gum Problems |
oramd
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| Review Date: January 30, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Deborah Disney, |
| I have advanced gingivitis and this helps more than anything I've tried. My gums are no longer bleeding, they've stopped receding, and the best thing is that it seems to cut down on tartar buildup. Highly recommended for anyone--even those who don't have gum disease. |
OraMD
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| Review Date: December 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Laurie H. Anderson, Amery WI |
| I have been using this product for a few weeks and am hoping the results are as reviewed. I haven't been for a dental checkup yet,so I don't know for sure. The product is easy to use,but does light the end of my tongue on fire. Not wild about that part,but I do like the clear sinuses,however briefly. |
Fantastic
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| Review Date: February 6, 2010 |
| Reviewer: My2boys8386, Florida |
| This is my second bottle, Keeps your gums healthy, and freshens your breath, no more bleeding gums for me |
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Indeed, the best way to avoid periodontal disease is prevention. I would recommend this product to my friends.