Goodlettsville Dental Services

Diabetes and Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Gum disease is one of the lesser-known complications that can affect patients with diabetes. It is estimated that a third of all diabetics suffer from periodontitis at some stage of their disease. For ages dentists have been advising patients that diabetes that is not properly controlled can lead to periodontal (gum) diseases in both young and old people. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place.

Although people with diabetes are known to be at risk for gum disease, it hasn’t been clear which comes first. Now new research suggests gum disease may predict whether you develop diabetes. The researchers found that individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic within 20 years, even after adjusting for age, smoking, obesity and diet. However, it is not clear whether treating gum disease can prevent the development of diabetes, though some researches show that treatment does result in lower levels of inflammation throughout the body. Notably, in the diabetes study, participants with gum disease who had lost all of their teeth appeared to be at lower risk for diabetes. That suggests that eliminating the source of the infection — the teeth — influenced long-term risk, so treating the infection before teeth are lost may also lower the risk.

Possible causes of Dental complications in Diabetics

Blood Vessel Changes. Diabetes causes blood vessels to thicken, which slows the flow of nutrients and the removal of harmful wastes. This can weaken the resistance of gum and bone tissue to infection.
Bacteria. When diabetes is poorly controlled, high glucose levels in mouth fluids may help germs grow and set the stage for gum disease.
Smoking. If you are a smoker with diabetes, age 45 or older, you are 20 times more likely than a person without these risk factors to get severe gum disease.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The symptoms of gum disease as a result of diabetes may manifest themselves individually or in groups. The symptoms may include the following:

Bleeding in mouth stimulated by brushing and/or flossing
Swollen, red or tender gums
Gums in recession
Loose teeth
The presence of pus between the teeth or gums
Changed bite or jaw alignment
Persistent bad breath

To obtain an accurate diagnosis, however, it is necessary to consult your dental health expert – Dr. Weaver.

Forms of Periodontal Disease in Diabetics

Periodontal diseases are usually classified according to the level to which the disease has advanced.

Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, characterised by swollen, red or tender gums. The gums tend to bleed even during standard dental health care routines such as brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis (Mild): When gingivitis goes untreated, it may lead to Mild Periodontitis. This stage of the disease will begin to erode the bone around the tooth. It is advisable for the patient to have prompt medical attention.
Periodontitis (Severe): This is the most advanced stage of gum disease, characterized by significant tissue and bone loss around the teeth.

Diabetes and other oral problems:

Apart from Periodontal Diseases Diabetes can also cause other oral problems, including:

Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. It occurs more often in persons with diabetes because of high sugar levels in the saliva, and fungi thrive on glucose.
Dry Mouth is often a symptom of undetected diabetes, where the mouth does not have enough saliva to keep itself wet. Saliva is necessary to help digest food, and prevent infection and tooth decay by controlling bacteria and fungi. Dry mouth can make tasting, chewing, and swallowing food difficult, and can impede speech. In addition, dry mouth can cause mouth infections and tooth decay.

Although each individual may experience symptoms differently, symptoms of dry mouth may include:

Sticky / Dry Mouth
Dry Lips
Sense of burning in the mouth
Tough tongue
Mouth Sores or Infection

Treatment for dry mouth depends on the cause of the condition. Dry mouth can be caused by medication, disease, cancer treatment, and nerve damage. Some tips to prevent dry mouth symptoms include:

Take frequent sips of water or sugarless fluids.
Avoid caffeine.
Drink fluids during meals.
Avoid spicy or salty foods.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
Use a humidifier at night.
Chew sugarless gum or sugarless candy.

Treatment

The treatment for diabetics is in many ways similiar to other patients. However, the specific treatment will be assessed depending on a variety of factors. These will include the extent of the disease, your diabetic condition, your tolerance of medications, etc. Following an assessment, and depending on the severity of the disease, a variety of techniques may be employed. These can include plaque removal, medication, surgery, dental implants, and soft-tissue grafts.

Prevention

An appropriate dental health program including regular brushing and flossing can go a long way to preventing oral problems associated with diabetes. Managing your blood sugar well will also help to reduce the risk of developing periodontitis. Also, periodontitis can work the other way: at a severe level it may actually increase blood sugar, putting a diabetic at risk of further complications.

At Rivergate Dental Care, we’ve treated patients from all over the Nashville area – including Goodlettsville, White House, Madison, Hendersonville, Gallatin and beyond! Give us a call today and soon you will be waking up to a new smile! 1 800 FIX MY TEETH

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