Diabetes and oral health
The link between diabetes and oral health
We keep hearing about how medical conditions like diabetes can affect our dental health, but why is there a connection? It seems that these are completely separate topics, but there are good reasons why dentists and doctors around the world continue to insist on the link between these seemingly unrelated terms: diabetes and oral health.
What is the diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. This condition can be caused by the body’s inability to respond to or produce enough insulin, which is the hormone that regulates blood sugar in the body. In some cases, diabetes can also be due to hereditary or lifestyle factors.
A cure for this condition has not yet been discovered, so patients suffering from diabetes can only manage the disease by keeping their blood glucose levels within a normal range. Typically, this can be accomplished through diet and lifestyle changes, as well as medications prescribed by your doctor.
Types of diabetes
In general, there are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is also called juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes and occurs when the body stops producing insulin. This condition accounts for approximately 10% of all cases. Anyone with type 1 diabetes needs daily insulin injections to survive, along with following a special diet and having regular blood tests to make sure glucose levels are within a normal range.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common, accounting for 90% of all cases. In this variety of the disease, the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to the hormone. Overweight and obese people are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. If the disease is not yet advanced, patients with type 2 diabetes can control symptoms by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and losing weight. However, this condition is often progressive, and at some point, patients end up relying on insulin tablets.
If neglected, diabetes causes blood sugar levels to spike to abnormal levels, which in turn can cause a wide range of health complications, including dental ones, such as gum disease, infections, and more .
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria that attacks the gums. As a result, this health problem is often referred to as gum disease. This condition damages the soft oral tissue that holds the teeth together. When it progresses, it can spread and infect the bone that supports the teeth. At this stage, the teeth begin to loosen and may eventually fall out or need to be extracted.
Connection between diabetes and gum disease
While most dental health conditions are often caused by poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease can also be a complication of diabetes. Studies have shown that patients diagnosed with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. Because of this fact, it is important for diabetic patients to know how they can prevent oral health problems, early warning signs of gum disease, as well as available treatment options.
Warning signs of diabetes and periodontal disease
Gum disease can be more difficult to treat when it is in an advanced stage. Therefore, it is important for diabetics to detect the disease early. The early telltale signs of this dental disorder include:
- Bleeding gums during and after brushing teeth
- Swollen gums that may also be red and tender
- Persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Development of deep pockets between the teeth and gums.
receding gums - Loose tooth
- Other dental complications associated with diabetes
It is important to note that periodontal disease is not the only oral health problem that diabetic patients can develop. When blood glucose levels get out of control, other oral health conditions can occur, including dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, and fungal infections.
Diabetic patients seeking treatment for severe periodontal disease through surgery are more likely to develop complications.
What does the treatment consist of?
The proper treatment for periodontal disease in diabetics will largely depend on how advanced the condition is. Dental specialists may recommend a wide variety of treatment methods ranging from regular oral hygiene and soft tissue grafting to guided tissue regeneration and bone surgery. In most cases, the dentist and doctor must work together to find the best dental treatment for a diabetic patient.
SermaDent’s experienced dental team can help you overcome diabetes-related dental or gum problems. Contact us to learn more today!
