Diabetes can wreak havoc on several aspects of a person’s health, including tooth and gum health, with a strong connection between diabetes and gum disease. Bleeding gums are one of the earliest signs of gum disease and should be an immediate cause for concern for any person who lives with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
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 Skokie, IL
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 Leading Edge Dental Center at 847-796-8731 for an appointment in our Skokie office.
Although there are often no painful symptoms of gum disease in the early stages, it is crucial to treat gum disease as soon as it is detected. Otherwise, the disease could worsen or lead to more severe oral health concerns that require extensive treatment to address properly.Understanding the dangers of gum disease can provide the…
Are you wondering whether you can do anything to prevent gum disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gum disease affects over half of all Americans over the age of 30.Early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis, may be treated with a dental cleaning every six months and good oral…
Along with swelling and pain, consistently bleeding gums can be a symptom of gum disease. There are two main types of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis, with the latter being a more advanced version. In serious cases, this condition can ultimately result in tooth loss. It is helpful to understand who may be more susceptible…