Top 5 Things to Know About Gum Disease and Diabetes

Both periodontal disease and diabetes are chronic inflammatory conditions that have a massive impact on the health of millions of people globally.

Periodontal disease, which is a moderately severe form of gum disease is an inflammatory condition that is affected by blood sugar levels just like diabetes.

Bacteria and plaque formation around the gum areas surrounding teeth are the root cause of gum diseases, while excessive blood sugar is the main cause of diabetes.

In fact, gum disease can be dangerous if you have diabetes because periodontal disease affects blood sugar levels.

Severe periodontal disease is called periodontitis, while diabetes is classified into three different types: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Although both diseases become more evident in late life stages, gum diseases often come earlier. Therefore, to help improve diabetes control, it is essential to avoid gum disease by maintaining proper dental hygiene.

Here are top 5 things to know about periodontal disease and diabetes;

Consumption of excessive sugar increases periodontal and diabetic symptoms.

Dietary sugar plays a significant role in diabetes and gum disease.

Naturally, additional sugar worsens diabetes being its root cause.

On the other hand, sugar combines with bacteria naturally existing in the mouth to cause periodontal disease. Starch and sugar in foods interact with the natural sugars to form plaque, a sticky film that covers teeth surfaces.

Plaque then damages the enamel, which protects the teeth, causing cavities and gum diseases. Therefore, consumption of sugars promotes both conditions.

Poorly controlled diabetes increases the chances of contracting periodontal diseases.

Individuals with poorly controlled diabetes are more susceptible to infectious diseases.

Different forms of diabetes either hinder the body’s response to insulin, the hormone that transports sugar from the blood to the cells, or reduce its production.

Therefore, most sugars don’t reach the cells, where they are needed for energy production. Instead, some end up in the mouth, strengthening bacteria that cause periodontal diseases.

In fact, the inflammatory action of diabetes thickens blood veins, constricting nutrients flow to the affected mouth areas and blocking the removal of waste, further increasing the effects.

Periodontal disease can influence blood sugar levels

Uncontrolled periodontal disease can worsen the levels of blood sugar in diabetic patients.

Germs from infected gums contaminate the blood when victims chew or brush. In turn, the body’s defense mechanism responds by releasing some highly potent molecules among which are additional sugars.

In the case of a diabetic patient, additional blood sugar would worsen his/her condition. Therefore, it is always advisable to pay close attention to your dental health if you are diabetic.

Periodontal diseases enhances the risk of kidney and cardiovascular complications

Research shows that individuals with both diabetes and periodontal disease are more susceptible to heart and kidney problems.

Periodontal diseases may trigger diabetic conditions which in turn cause inflammation in some key arteries, leading to critical heart conditions such as heart attacks and stroke. Still, the contamination of the blood with bacteria from periodontal-infected areas increases the chances of damaging the kidney.

Your dentist can help

Periodontal disease can be treated which helps minimize your risk of diabetic complications.

A dentist may perform deep cleaning procedures, such as root planning and scaling to help remove plaque and tartar between the gums and teeth

Therefore, it is advisable to see you dentist regularly if you have diabetes.