Ask a Periodontist: Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Diabetes?

A periodontist can help patients with diabetes prevent and treat gum disease to help ensure that the symptoms of diabetes are not made worse. This review discusses the connection between gum disease and diabetes and how people with diabetes can reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

The link between gum disease and diabetes as explained by a periodontist

Diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. In addition, gum disease can make diabetes symptoms worse. This means that preventing gum disease is of the utmost importance, and many with diabetes need to take extra precautions to ensure gum disease does not develop since they are at a higher risk.

Diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease

Diabetes when properly managed may not increase the risk of gum disease significantly. However, if diabetes is not adequately managed, then it could affect the blood flow in the body, which can weaken the gums and bones and increase the likelihood that gum disease develops. Subsequently, to reduce the risk of both general health problems as well as gum disease, it is important to follow the diabetes management plan provided by your doctor.

Gum disease could make diabetes symptoms worse

In addition to the fact that having diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, the onset of gum disease could actually make diabetes worse as well. This is what many periodontists are referring to when they say there is a link between the two as issues with one could affect the management of the other. The reason for this is that gum infections could cause blood sugar concerns, among other possible issues that could arise due to gum disease.

The importance of gum disease prevention in diabetic patients

Due to the link between gum disease and diabetes, it is important for diabetic patients to do all that they can to prevent and promptly treat gum disease. Most of the prevention care takes place at home through regular brushing and flossing. The use of mouthwash can also help kill bacteria that can contribute to the onset of gum disease. Of course, for diabetic patients especially, the dietary choices one makes can have an impact on periodontal health. It is encouraged to limit the consumption of sugar and other carbohydrates that could cause gum damage and disease.

The role of regular check-up visits with a periodontist or dentist

In addition to consistent at-home care, patients should also visit their periodontist or dentist for regular check-ups and periodontal cleanings. This can help ensure plaque and tartar (which contain bacteria) do not accumulate along the gum line and lead to the development of gum disease.

Put together a gum disease prevention plan

If you have diabetes or prediabetes and would like to put together a gum disease treatment and prevention plan, then contact our dental office today to set up a visit. We offer gum disease treatments such as scaling and root planing and can help you find a long-term prevention plan that works for you.

Request an appointment or call Summit Periodontics & Dental Implants at 908-219-6664 for an appointment in our Summit office.

Related Posts

Expert Periodontist Services For Healthy Gums And Beautiful Smiles

People who are seeking healthy gums but are dealing with challenges with gingivitis can see an expert periodontist, a dental professional who has studied the structures that support the teeth. These include the gums, the jawbone itself, and the ligaments that help hold the teeth in place.Periodontists are trained dentists who focus their attention on…

What A Periodontist Does In Root Surface Debridement

The most common procedure that a periodontist performs is removing plaque and tartar from their patients’ teeth. This procedure helps to remove the bacterial infection that causes gum disease and its symptoms. With time, monitoring, and a few follow-up procedures, the periodontist can restore the health of their patient’s teeth and gums. In the following…

A Periodontist Discusses Possible Consequences From Poor Oral Hygiene

During a visit to the periodontist, the dental professional will reiterate the importance of taking proper care of your gums and teeth. Only a few people realize how important good oral health is to overall wellness. Since the mouth is the primary entry point into the body, bacteria can spread to other parts, putting you…

Summit Periodontics & Dental Implants

Share
Published by
Summit Periodontics & Dental Implants

Recent Posts

Reasons to Get Botox® from Your Dentist

If you think that getting dental Botox will help you, understand that it is a…

3 weeks ago

Tooth Replacement: Restore Your Smile With Confidence

Like a full set of dentures, these removable tooth replacements sit on top of the…

1 month ago

Expert Periodontist Services for Healthy Gums and Beautiful Smiles

Like with bone grafting, periodontists can perform gum grafting to help support teeth that are…

3 months ago

When To Visit a Periodontist for Gum Recession

Chronic bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth could be symptoms associated with…

4 months ago

Are All-on-4 Dental Implants Right for You? Factors to Consider

Recovery after All-on-4 depends on the treatments necessary to complete the process.

5 months ago

Understanding Bone Grafting: How It Restores Jawbone Health and Strength

To perform a bone graft, the dentist will collect bone tissue from somewhere else in…

6 months ago