Periodontitis & diabetes: a two-way relationship

Diabetes can increase the risk of periodontal disease and periodontal disease can increase the risk of diabetes

Diabetes is among the most common diseases in the world, affecting more than 300 million people. Diabetes and periodontal disease have a two-way relationship. While high blood sugar increases the risk of gum disease, gum disease also makes it difficult to control blood sugar. When you have diabetes, your body tends to make less saliva, and saliva is an important protection against bacteria and tooth decay. Diabetes can also increase the amount of glucose in your saliva, leading to more bacterial growth and plaque build-up. If left untreated, these issues can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. On the other hand, infections from untreated periodontal disease can cause blood sugar to rise and make it harder to control diabetes. And even if you don’t have diabetes, inflammation caused by periodontal disease may increase your risk of other systemic health issues including cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. To help prevent gum disease, eat a well-balanced diet, practice good oral care at home and schedule regular dental cleanings. If you think you may have gum disease, we can provide you with specialty-level care to improve your overall health.

Symptoms include:

• Gums: Swollen, red, sore, bleeding, or receding gums
• Teeth: Loose or separating teeth, or increased space between teeth
• Breath: Bad breath that persists even after brushing
• Other: Dry mouth, white patches, bad taste in the mouth, pus between the teeth and gums, or a change in bite or jaw alignment.