Periodontitis
Periodontal Disease

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Keeping ones blood glucose levels in control is what a diabetic person’s top priority in dealing with oral health is. This is because if you have diabetes and your blood glucose is erratic, you will likely develop periodontal disease or gum disease. There is a great possibility of untimely loss of teeth. These and the fact that gum disease will also cause an increase of blood sugar level which makes your diabetes difficult to control. They actually go hand in hand and can be very dangerous.

If you have to think about it, uncontrolled blood glucose causes gum disease; gum disease brings about high sugar level in the blood; high blood sugar results to uncontrollable blood glucose. It will become an endless cycle you might not be able to get out if you are not careful. So you have to keep your gums and teeth by following a good oral hygiene of brushing at least 2 times a day and flossing your teeth daily.

It also helps to visit a dentist regularly – at least twice a year. A professional cleaning is an absolute must twice a year for a diabetic patient. This is to remove plaque and buildup from your teeth and gums that would lead to gum disease. This is the only way to remove the tartar off the teeth to prevent periodontitis. That is why you have to mention to your dentist if you have diabetes to help you with your oral care. Also let your dentist know of all the medications that you are taking.

When to know you have gum disease?

Diabetes patients will always need to look out for any signs of gum disease. This will help to keep it from getting worst and affect the patient’s blood sugar. The following are the warning signs you are developing a gum disease.

 

  • Swollen, red or tender gums
  • Gums bleed while brushing or flossing your teeth
  • Gums are receding
  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Pus in between teeth and gums
  • Change in the bite
  • Loose teeth due to bone loss
  • Fit of partial denture or bridge may change

Other symptoms to watch out are white patches around your tongue which will indicate a fungal infection or ulcers or sores which may indicate dry mouth. You will need to consult your dentist right away when you see any of these symptoms.

In conclusion, it is essential for diabetics to keep a meticulous mouth. You need to keep your regular dental checkups and cleanings, as well as a very good home care-brush 2-3 times a day and floss once a day. This will help reduce the risk of gum disease and infections which can be very dangerous to a diabetic who is already very prone to infections.

If you have diabetes, call our office for an appointment right away to discuss your special options of keeping a healthy mouth. 323-771-7254.

By Ladan Zinati

16 Comments

  1. shaun
    February 14, 2013

    my dad has diabetes since ten years and had lost 2 teeth lately, we all thought it was due to old age but we soon realised thanks to our family doctor that it was maybe due to diabetes which wasnt controlled well. he is keeping well now as he learnt the correct way of keeping care of his teeth

  2. Kristen Ryder
    February 14, 2013

    This article is a great reference for patients with diabetes. There are so many factors that go into proper oral care that the normal person wouldn’t even consider to be in issue just because they are diabetic. Great information, thanks for passing it on!

    • admin
      February 14, 2013

      You are very welcome Kristen.

  3. jacqueline
    February 14, 2013

    Terrific information for those with diabetes. Good oral care is highly important for anyone with this disease.

  4. maksud rahman
    February 15, 2013

    I used to know that diabetic person should have control in their blood glucose levels. But it seems a diabetic person should take a lot of care of their teeth to avoid infections. Very informative article.

  5. William
    February 15, 2013

    Sadly my mom lost her beautiful set of teeth to diabetes complications and it resulted in her having to wear dentures at an early age. Visiting your dentist is important when you don’t have a health condition, but doubly so for people with a tendency toward high blood sugar.

  6. Cain Marko
    February 22, 2013

    Very informative for people like who are stricken with this disease. Really stresses the importance of oral care for diabetes sufferers.

  7. Sykutis Smith
    February 23, 2013

    Just another reason to always keep my glucometer nearby. Few people understand how multi-faceted the effects of diabetes can be.

  8. Moses Jones
    February 25, 2013

    It is very important to keep your blood glucose levels under control. One important sign is bleeding gums when it comes to gum disease.

    • admin
      February 27, 2013

      Yes Moses, That is one of the signs, but not everyone necessarily has this sign.

  9. Ally Crito
    March 2, 2013

    Thanks for the article guys! My late grandmother had diabetes as well as my uncle, so with a history in the family I need to know all I can!

    • admin
      March 7, 2013

      Ally, you are welcome and make sure you do all you can to prevent getting diabetes since it is in you family.

  10. Mondegreen
    April 6, 2013

    I’d never really thought about the special challenges of dental care for those with diabetes. As somebody with a history of diabetes in my family, I will have to remember these tips in case I develop it myself.

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