Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
Medical researchers believe that periodontal disease and diabetes are strongly connected. People suffering from diabetes have an increased risk of developing periodontal diseases. This is because high blood sugar levels easily create a breeding ground for bacteria. This increases the risk of dental decay.
Periodontal disease is an oral health issue that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. Leaving the disease untreated can cause complications and attack the entire body. This is due to the bacteria that eventually enters the bloodstream through torn blood vessels.
On the other hand, diabetes is characterized by having high glucose levels. This condition leaves a person prone to cardiovascular diseases. There are two types of diabetics, namely type I and type II. Type II diabetics have difficulty regulating insulin levels. This leaves excess glucose to stay in the blood. Alternatively, type I diabetics don’t produce insulin at all.
The Connection: Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
Studies show that periodontal disease and diabetes can worsen if the conditions are not properly controlled. Too much sugar causes the rise of glucose levels in the saliva. In return, this gives bacteria more surface to live in the mouth. When bacteria attacks the gum tissues, it leaves a tear in the blood vessels. The bacteria will continue seeking for healthy tissues, leading it to the bloodstream.
In order to prevent periodontal disease from progressing, regular visits to the dentist should be maintained. If not, a diabetic person will continue being a host to bacteria that resides in the mouth. Regular brushing and flossing are not as efficient as professional cleaning. Visit your dentist and kill the bacteria in order to keep them from entering your bloodstream.
Controlling Sugar Intake
Severe periodontal diseases increase the body’s sugar levels. This is why diabetics who face periodontitis have more difficulty in controlling their blood sugar. Moreover, bad bacteria feed on sugar, while good bacteria feed on fiber. Leaving your sugar intake uncontrolled will liven up the bad bacteria in your mouth. This worsens periodontal infections, and may cause greater complications.
Thickening of Blood Vessels
Diabetics are prone to the thickening of blood vessels. This results to the slow removal of harmful wastes in the body. This also leave the gum and bone tissues prone to infection. This is why diabetics are prone to progressing periodontal diseases.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking is well-known for doing a great deal of damage in our oral region. Moreover, statistics show that diabetics who smoke are twenty times more likely to develop the disease. This is because tobacco slows down our healing processes, and causes a person to develop periodontitis. When gum tissues don’t heal, the tear in the blood vessel is left wide open. Bacteria are then free to enter the bloodstream and cause complications in our internal organs.
The Verdict: Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
It is paramount that diabetics maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, they should head to the dentist if plaque buildup cannot be removed. The dentist will perform professional cleaning in order to kill the bacteria. Afterwards, prevention will be easier by controlling the sugar intake and not smoking. Otherwise, plaque buildup will occur, and periodontal disease will follow progressively.
If you notice signs of a progressing periodontal disease please contact our office where we specialize in treating periodontal disease. If their diagnosis concludes that you are at an advanced stage of periodontitis, necessary gum surgery might be performed. Otherwise, antibiotics that can kill off the bacteria might be prescribed.