Diabetes is a disease that occurs due to consistently elevated blood sugar, the result of an inability to make insulin or to use it effectively. This is a common condition with widespread implications, and one of those implications is a heightened risk for gum disease.
In fact, not only can diabetes worsen the effects of periodontal disease, but an infection of the gums can likewise exacerbate the effects of diabetes. For diabetic patients, it is important to understand this vicious cycle, and to be mindful of the ways in which these two diagnoses intersect.
Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Oral Health
First, consider how diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. One of the most notable effects of diabetes is change to the blood vessels. As blood vessels thicken, it reduces the flow of nutrients and the removal of waste from bodily tissues. As blood flow slows, it can weaken bone and tissues, including gum tissues, leaving them much more susceptible to infection.
Additionally, when diabetes is not properly controlled, it leads to higher blood sugar levels within oral fluids. In other words, the mouth becomes an environment that is much more favorable toward bacterial growth. The growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth can quickly turn into an oral infection.
At the same time, infections of the oral tissues can cause spikes in blood sugar. This makes the symptoms of diabetes even more difficult to control. The bottom line for patients is that diabetes and periodontal disease feed into each other, each diagnosis causing the other to worsen. As such, it is critical to know how best to manage these two conditions.
Controlling Diabetes and Gum Disease
For patients who live with both diabetes and gum disease, there are several recommended steps for managing diabetic symptoms while also avoiding oral infection.
- Brush and floss daily. To prevent the buildup of plaque and the spread of tartar, it is vital to brush and floss thoroughly, at least twice every day.
- Get regular dental cleanings. It is also important to stay up to date with routine dental cleanings. For most patients, this means cleaning twice annually, though some patients may be advised to see their dentist more frequently.
- Control your blood glucose levels. Keeping blood glucose in check not only helps manage diabetic symptoms but can also lower the risk of an oral infection. Patients should talk with their doctor about medications and other blood glucose management options.
- Communicate clearly and directly. It is also important for patients to talk directly with their peridontist about diabetic symptoms, and to alert them to any diabetes medications they are taking.
- Avoid tobacco products. To keep diabetes and oral infections in check, it is best to avoid tobacco products of all kinds, including smokeless tobacco.
Seek Additional Care for Oral Health Concerns
One of the best ways to prevent diabetic symptoms from worsening is to manage oral health and to avoid the conditions that might lead to periodontal disease. For periodontal care in the Tacoma community, schedule an initial visit with MK Periodontics and Implants: Call (253) 752-6336 today.
