Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums, supporting bone, and connective tissue surrounding your teeth. While gum disease can affect your systemic health in many ways, it is especially important for diabetics to understand the relation gum health has on blood sugar and how blood sugar can impact your gum health. This connection between diseases is known as a two-way relationship. Or what most dental practitioners refer to as the “oral-systemic connection.”
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which your body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly, leading to irregular blood sugar levels. According to the American Dental Association, periodontal disease is the most common dental issue diabetics will face. Diabetics with uncontrolled blood sugar are almost 3 times more likely to develop periodontal disease in their life than those that properly manage blood sugar.
Patients that suffer from poorly controlled blood sugar are more likely to suffer difficulties in controlling their periodontal disease as high blood sugar increases your risk of infection.
Diabetics are highly encouraged to see their dental providers on a routine basis to ensure oral health is managed closely, to avoid complications. Diabetics suffering from periodontal disease are often encouraged to see their dental provider, including their dental hygienists for maintenance cleanings some on a 3-4 monthly recall, depending on the individual.
It’s crucial that diabetics take their diabetes and oral health very seriously to avoid complications, especially as they age.
Diabetics can also have more glucose in their saliva, which can lead to excessive plaque accumulation and an increased risk for developing tooth decay. Tooth loss is another major concern for those that suffer from both periodontal disease and poorly controlled diabetes.
If you have diabetes and are struggling to understand why your oral health is suffering or it’s becoming impossible to regulate your blood glucose levels, it’s important to have open discussions with your doctor and dentist to ensure you are on the path for proper disease management!