Diabetes and Gum Disease: What you need to know

1 in 5 people suffer from periodontal disease, better known as gum disease. Meanwhile, around 1.7 million Australians suffer from diabetes. Recent studies are suggesting a common link between diabetes and gum disease. Those afflicted with gum disease have an increased risk of developing diabetes, while diabetics are more likely to develop gum disease.

Oral health in diabetics

Gum disease causes inflammation in the body, making it more difficult to control blood sugar in diabetic people. In severe cases, it’s been shown to increase blood sugar, making it more challenging to maintain healthy sugar levels.
In general, diabetics are prone to infection due to the nature of the condition, however, those suffering reduced control over their blood sugar levels typically experience more severe cases of gum disease leading to teeth loss.
Other oral health conditions, such as dry mouth and fungal infections, are also more common in diabetics. This reduced saliva production or infection further increases the risk of developing gum disease.

Managing oral health and diabetes

Diabetics able to manage healthy blood sugar levels reduce their risk for oral health complications significantly, expecting similar risk of gum disease as people without diabetes.

For diabetes sufferers, it’s essential to work with your doctor to maintain healthy blood sugar levels as much as possible to avoid these added health risks.

It’s also good practice for diabetics to brief their dentist on their current diabetic condition before their dental checkups and treatments. Healing from surgery can be expected to take longer in those diabetics suffering uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Medication scheduling and treatment planning may be impacted by less than ideal diabetic conditions.

At Dentistry Plus, we take pride in our reputation of high care for patients with all kinds of conditions, including diabetes. Our wallet-friendly, pain-sensitive relaxed environment will help you achieve the smile you want, regardless of your health condition. Join the 16,000 patients that have already made the switch to Dentistry Plus for their dentistry needs.

Source: ada.org.au