Mar 17, 2011
Diabetes is a disease becoming all too prevalent in American society. While Type 1 diabetes is not linked to diet or body weight, Type 2 clearly is, and so as the US populace becomes heavier, the incidence of diabetes has risen as well. In fact, some consider the increased number of diabetes cases among children and teens to be reaching epidemic proportions.
One reason diabetes is of such concern is because it is a disease that if not carefully managed, can lead to many serious complications. This issue of disease management is particularly important for those who are younger when diagnosed, as managing the disease involves careful monitoring of blood sugars and diet, neither of which are appealing tasks for distracted youth. But in addition to these issues, there is also the fact that those with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, something that is often overlooked as patients focus on maintaining their overall health. However, because gum disease can also lead to much more serious health problems if left unchecked, it also pays to be aware of some of the reasons that diabetes and gum disease often go hand in hand, and then ensure that the diabetic takes the necessary steps to prevent future complications.
Why is the diabetic more prone to gum disease? Studies have shown that people with insufficient blood sugar control develop gum disease more frequently and severely than those who manage their diabetes well. This is likely due to the fact that high glucose levels in saliva promote the growth of the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Furthermore, diabetes slows circulation, making gum tissue more susceptible to infections. Diabetes then also reduces the body’s resistance to infection, which thereby increases the probability of gums becoming infected. In addition, there are some habits such as smoking or poor oral hygiene that are significantly more detrimental to diabetics than to those without the disease, likely due to their impact on circulation and the buildup of plaque, respectively.
One final consideration is the fact that not only does diabetes make it more difficult to manage periodontal or gum disease, but in turn, periodontal disease can make it more difficult for those with diabetes to control their blood sugar. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, and these increased blood sugar levels put diabetics at risk for diabetic complications. Thus, the management of diabetes and gum disease go hand in hand, something that diabetics should be aware of and should ask both their general physician as well as their dentist about. Find a periodontist experienced with diabetes and gum disease.
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