Diabetes is a chronic disorder affecting more than 24 million Americans. This disease causes a decrease production of insulin, a necessary hormone to convert sugars and starches into energy needed to survive. This metabolic alteration causes increased blood sugar levels and major body complications. These symptoms include visual and kidney impairment, sensory impairment, atherosclerosis, and impaired wound healing. Oral symptoms also include bone and gum disease, known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease appears to co-exist with the diabetic patient and is known as a major risk factor for gum and bone disease. As research on the subject continues, the stronger the evidence becomes showing that patients with diabetes (more specifically uncontrolled diabetes) are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease. Keep reading to learn more about the links between periodontal (gum) disease and diabetes.
Gum Disease & Oral Health
The gums are sensitive soft tissues that can be easily irritated, inflamed, or infected without proper daily brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental cleanings. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory response to bacterial infection. If left untreated the bacteria may cause damage to the tissues and surrounding bone. Patients with diabetes are 3-4 times more likely to develop periodontal disease. And the periodontal disease in individuals with diabetes tends to have more severe and aggressive levels of bone loss that can affect chewing and digestion. This can have a major impact on proper nutrition and control of blood sugar levels.
Effects of Gum Disease on Diabetes Sufferers
Periodontal disease is known as the 6th diabetic complication. Long-term high/uncontrolled blood glucose levels can cause severe problems to blood vessels and may eventually lead to tissue death. This may explain why diabetics often experience difficulty healing. These sores in the mouth caused by bacteria create inflammation in which the body cannot fight. This means bleeding and swollen gums, bone loss, tooth movement, loosening of teeth and eventual pain. This vicious cycle makes it difficult for gum disease sufferers with diabetes to fully recover. However, a plan made in partnership between your physician and a periodontal specialist is the best way to ensure improvement in both oral and overall health.
Preventing Gum Disease
The most important way of preventing diabetic related gum and bone disease is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This requires close monitoring of short- and long-term blood glucose levels as outlined by your physician. Daily exercise and healthy diet/food choices are imperative in maintaining your blood sugars. It is also encouraged that patients work hard to prevent gum disease, starting with brushing twice daily and flossing. Additional dental aides such as tufted interdental brushes, plastic or rubber picks, and/or oral irrigating devices (Ex. Waterpik) are helpful at maintaining optimal home care. Regular checkups and teeth cleanings with a general dentist are also extremely important, and diabetics may be encouraged to visit three or more times a year to decrease risk for gum disease.
Meet Dr. Carnow
Your trusted Frisco board certified periodontist, Dr. Zachary Carnow, is dedicated to offering every patient he sees a clear explanation of their oral health concerns and how these issues may affect overall health. A periodontist is a dentist who has specializes in treating health concerns that damage the supportive gum and bone tissue surrounding teeth. This includes providing therapies for gum disease sufferers and placing dental implant. At Frisco Periodontics and Dental Implants, we’re passionate about helping patients improve their health and wellbeing one smile at a time. If you’re interested in finding out more about the services provided in our office, contact our caring team today.