Diabetic? You’re at Higher Risk for Periodontal Disease. Here’s What to Do About It.
Diabetes and periodontal disease are both serious conditions that require immediate
treatment to avoid health complications, but few people realize that the two go hand-in-hand.
In fact, if you have diabetes, it’s important to take extra care of your teeth and gums, since
your risk of developing periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) increases
significantly if you have diabetes. If you suffer from either diabetes or periodontal disease,
don’t panic; our new article lays out four steps to help you get started on the path to better
oral health.
How Diabetes Affects Gums
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and teeth, which can lead to tooth
loss and other serious health complications if left untreated. Diabetics are more likely to
develop chronic gingivitis (an inflammation of the gum tissue) than people without diabetes.
Left untreated, chronic gingivitis can progress into full-blown periodontitis (a chronic
inflammation of the tissues that surround and support teeth), which can lead to tooth loss
and bone damage.
How Diabetes Can Cause Tooth Loss
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can lead to tooth loss if not managed
properly. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects blood sugar levels and has been linked
with increased risk of periodontitis — the technical term for periodontal disease — according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports that people with
diabetes are twice as likely to have their teeth extracted because of severe periodontitis than
people without diabetes, who are more susceptible to other oral health problems like cavities
and osteoporosis.
What exactly is periodontitis? It’s an inflammation or infection of the gums caused by plaque
buildup around your teeth.
Oral Care Routine for Type 2 Diabetics
By staying on top of your oral care, you can help lessen the risk of periodontal disease. This
includes brushing twice a day with a Ionic toothbrush, brushing and flossing after eating
sugary or starchy foods, and regular dental visits every six months. Additionally, if you are
experiencing symptoms of any mouth infections or gum disease (swelling, bleeding gums),
see your dentist as soon as possible!
Long-Term Diabetes Management Strategies
1) Perform a complete oral examination and periodontal assessment on all patients with
diabetes every 3-6 months. 2) Immediately refer patients with severe periodontitis to an
endodontist or general dentist for root canal therapy, extraction, and/or surgical treatment of
any retained teeth. 3) Maintain a high level of clinical suspicion of the diagnosis in all diabetic
patients presenting with new tooth mobility or bone loss. 4) Evaluate the potential need for
aggressive oral hygiene procedures such as dental flossing, scaling and root planing,
denture cleaning
