Diabetes: The Dental Connection!

People who have diabetes are usually familiar with many of the other health risks that they face, including damage to nerves, eyes, heart, and kidneys.  But did you know that if you have diabetes, you also have a much greater chance of developing gum disease?  It's true, and like other diseases related to diabetes, the risk potential and the severity of gum disease is directly related to how well blood sugar is controlled.

The Causes

In diabetics, there are two primary mechanisms that increase the risk of developing gum disease, also called periodontal disease:

• Bacterial growth: Bacteria love sugar including the glucose found in blood and bodily fluids.  Elevated levels of sugar in saliva can provide a very hospitable environment for bacterial growth.  The risk may be elevated if your gums bleed.
• Circulatory changes: In diabetes, the blood vessels become thick, making it more difficult for blood to carry oxygen to the gums and to carry away harmful waste products. This decrease in circulation can weaken the mouth's resistance to decay.  If you smoke, circulation can become even more compromised, significantly increasing your risk of periodontal disease.

Preventing Gum Disease

If you're diabetic, the number-one key to preventing gum disease is to make sure that you can do all that you can do to keep your blood sugar under control.  In fact, studies show that diabetics who have excellent control of their blood sugar levels, have no more risk for gum disease than those who don't have diabetes.  Here are some other tips to keep your gums healthy:

• Floss your teeth gently, curving the floss so it can reach just below your gum line to remove plaque and food particles.  
• Brush two minutes twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush, using small circular motions.
• Brush your tongue to remove germs that can hide there.
• Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to kill germs that are hard to reach.

Finally and most importantly for your dental health, maintain your regular dental check-ups to monitor the impact of diabetes on your oral health!  If you have any questions, or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT