Diabetes & Oral Health Problems

Severe gum disease is known as periodontitis. When one reaches this phase, their gums start pulling away from their teeth. Pockets are formed between gums and teeth. They fill with pus and germs & deepen. As soon as this happens, one may require a gum surgery for saving their teeth. If it is left untreated, the infection could destroy the bone around the teeth. Teeth could start to get loose or could fall out or be required to be pulled off.

Association between Diabetes and Gum disease

Researchers show that there is a risk of gum disease cases amongst the people who have diabetes, which adds serious gum disease to list of complications linked to diabetes, like heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.

Is there a 2-way street?

Emerging researchers also suggest that the link between diabetes and serious gum disease in two ways. Not only are the individuals with diabetes more vulnerable to serious gum disease but a serious gum disease could have the potential of affecting the blood glucose control & contribute to the progress of diabetes. Research suggests that individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of oral health issues like gingivitis which is an early phase of gum disease & periodontitis which is serious gum disease. Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of serious gum disease as they are usually more vulnerable to the bacterial infections & have a reduced ability to fight bacteria which invades gums.

Surgeon general’s report regarding oral health has stated that good oral health is very integral to the general health. Hence one should brush & floss properly & see their dentist in regular check-ups.

Diabetes and Risk of Dental Issues

If our levels of blood glucose are controlled poorly and we are more likely to grow serious gum disease & lose more teeth than a non-diabetic. Like every infection, serious gum disease could be a factor to cause blood sugar for the increase & could make diabetes tougher to control.

Another oral issue liked with diabetes is Thrush which is an infection caused due to fungus growing in our mouth.& dry mouth that can lead to soreness, ulcers, cavities, and infections.