Extensive research has revealed that the relation between diabetes and gum disease is a two-way street. Diabetes is a disease that hinders the body’s ability to process sugar. When blood sugar levels are high, both the gum tissue and saliva contain higher levels of sugar. In turn, sugar contributes to the growth of plaque and bacteria in the mouth by feeding those harmful substances.
Plaque that grows rampant and uncontrolled can irritate the gum tissue, leading to swollen, red, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, this irritation can result in early gum disease — or gingivitis — and, eventually periodontal disease, which can quickly progress to tooth loss and other adverse outcomes.
Moreover, gum disease can actually worsen diabetes. Such infections can cause individuals’ blood sugar levels to rise, making it more difficult for them to control the diabetes. This results in a vicious cycle of gum infection and high blood sugar levels.
The good news is that controlling and/or preventing gum disease in diabetic patients is as simple as keeping diabetes under control. Diabetic patients who have their blood sugar levels under control are less likely to develop issues such as bleeding gums, infection, and gum disease. These individuals are also less likely to lose teeth.
In addition to monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels, diabetics should monitor the gums daily for signs of gum disease, including redness, tenderness, inflammation, and bleeding. By alerting dentists sooner rather than later about the possible development of gingivitis, patients can quickly halt the progression of the disease and, in the process, improve blood sugar control.
Individuals who live with diabetes should be extra vigilant about oral health. Diabetics can follow these tips to prevent inflammation:
Above all, diabetic patients should be extra vigilant about oral hygiene. It is vital to brush daily and floss to remove any buildup between the teeth. Individuals should also rinse with a dentist-recommended mouthwash twice daily.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Castle Rock, CO
Diabetes can interfere with many aspects of a person’s life and wellbeing, including oral health. Thanks to extensive research, dental professionals and other healthcare practitioners now know about the strong link between diabetes and gum disease and can work together to help patients effectively manage both. If you live with diabetes and develop swollen, tender, red, or bleeding gums, schedule a visit with a qualified dentist right away.
Request an appointment or call Founders Dental at 720-893-7362 for an appointment in our Castle Rock office.
Gum disease is very common in the United States, which often leads many to believe it is not as serious of a concern as it actually is. However, gum disease should be taken seriously, and learning more about it can help you determine why it is important to treat and prevent gum disease in order…
Flossing can seem like a chore, but the link between flossing and bleeding gums is clear. Sometimes, when you floss, you might occasionally find it causes your gums to bleed. That does not mean that flossing is bad for you — but you may not be doing it properly. Frequent flossing is the solution to…
Gum disease attacks the healthy gum and bone structure in the mouth and in extreme cases can cause the teeth to fall out. Bleeding gums are an early warning sign of the infection, but unfortunately, many smokers, vapers, and tobacco chewers miss it. Because of this and other factors, smoking is a leading cause of…
Healthy teeth are important for many reasons. Strong teeth make it easier to chew food,…
Modern dentistry provides many options for treating decayed or missing teeth. Although dental restorations can…
Visiting your dentist twice a year is an important component of your oral health routine.
It is good to understand how these clear aligners work and what the process is…
Dental restorations help individuals regain oral functions like chewing and achieve better smiles. Although dentists'…
There may be dental restorations available to treat a tooth that is damaged. The prognosis…
