Nerves and Gum
• Diabetic Neuropathy : Diabetic neuropathy can affect nerves at any part of the body. The most common early symptoms of the condition are numbness, tingling, or sharp pains in the feet or lower legs.
If it's not treated, nerve damage can cause a number of problems. For example, because of the numbness, people with nerve damage might not realize that they have a cut or wound, and it could become seriously infected before they discover it.
Doctors usually diagnose nerve damage by giving the person a physical exam. A biopsy of nerve tissue or other special tests may also be necessary. The doctor might recommend that the patient consult a neurologist for an expert opinion.
Gum Disease
People with diabetes are more likely than others to develop gum disease (also called periodontal disease) because they may have :
- More plaque and less saliva (too much plaque on the teeth and not enough saliva can contribute to tooth decay)
- Higher blood sugar levels (a person has more sugar in their mouth, which can also lead to tooth decay)
- Some loss of collagen, a protein present in gum tissue
- poor blood circulationin the gums
All of these factors can contribute to gum disease. Signs and symptoms of gum disease include bleeding, sensitive, and painful gums. The gums may also recede (receding gums no longer cover the root surfaces of teeth) or be discolored. Dentists can diagnose gum disease during regular checkups.