May 2008 Dental Awareness
Diabetes & Gum Disease

Two common, chronic conditions, diabetes and gum disease, have a complex connection. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults and is frequently associated in people with gum disease. Diabetics are at a higher risk of getting gum disease and in turn it can make diabetes worse. Gum disease can lead to problems in controlling blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of complications such as vision problems, nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Factors That Link Diabetes to Gum Disease

  1. Studies show that people with insufficient blood sugar control seem to develop gum disease more frequently and more severely than people who have good management over their diabetes.
  2. Diabetes slows circulation, which can also make the gum tissues more susceptible to infections.
  3. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, which increases the probability of the gums becoming infected.
  4. High glucose (sugar) levels in saliva promote growth of bacteria that cause gum disease.
  5. People with diabetes who smoke are far more likely to develop gum disease than people who do not have diabetes.
  6. Poor oral hygiene is a major factor in gum disease for everyone, but it is even more so for a person with diabetes.
diabetes & gum disease Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
  1. red and swollen gums
  2. gums that tend to bleed easily
  3. loose teeth
  4. frequent bad breath with a strong odor
  5. change in the way your teeth fit together
  6. partials and dentures fit differently
Prevention
  1. Maintain good control over your blood sugar levels.
  2. Do not smoke.
  3. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check ups (more than 2 times a year) are essential in preventing gum disease for people at a greater risk of oral disease.
  4. Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.