Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts how blood sugar and insulin function in the body. Gum disease is an inflammatory infection of the supporting structures of the mouth, including the bone and connective tissues. Diabetes can impact systemic and oral health in many ways. However, with better knowledge and understanding of how to manage these conditions, complications can be avoided.
For those with diabetes, there is a higher risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and infections. The relationship between diabetes and gum disease is intertwined: When blood sugar is not controlled, gum disease can worsen, and when gum disease worsens, the infection affects blood sugar and how insulin controls blood sugar. When blood sugar is uncontrolled, higher sugar levels may be found in the saliva. Higher sugar levels can lead to increased tooth decay throughout the mouth, especially along the gum line.
It is crucial to ensure proper management of gum disease, especially for those with diabetes. When diabetes and gum disease are uncontrolled, the conditions can lead to loss of teeth, increased infections, and impact overall systemic health. Systemic health effects include an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, nerve damage, vision changes, and even death can occur in severe cases of chronic uncontrolled diabetes.
Those with diabetes should be aware of the oral health and systemic health effects that uncontrolled blood sugar can cause. By understanding how to manage blood sugar and oral health, these complications are more likely to be avoided. Discussing health concerns and challenges with healthcare and dental providers can lead to better outcomes and better disease management by enabling providers to provide the proper patient education and health management tools needed for patients.