DIABETES IN DENTISTRY:
Diabetes is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the body's ability to process sugar.
If you have diabetes, it is particularly important to maintain excellent oral health. That's because diabetics are more prone to oral infections such as periodontal (gum) disease, which can result in tooth loss if left untreated.
Conversely, the presence of gum disease can make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels.
Periodontal disease is a chronic ailment that is also associated with an elevated level of systemic (whole-body) inflammation.
Like diabetes, it may have wide-ranging consequences outside the mouth — possibly increasing a person's chance of experiencing major cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke) or adverse pregnancy outcomes (low birth weight and pre-term delivery).
So perhaps it's not surprising that a growing body of evidence suggests the two diseases are related.
TWO DISEASES WITH A LOT IN COMMON:
That's because diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, making diabetics more susceptible to both bacterial and fungal infections.
Likewise, evidence shows that having serious gum disease (periodontitis) is likely to result in worsening blood glucose control in diabetics; it can also increase the risk of diabetic complications.
While no one is sure at present, the two diseases seem to share some common pathways and disease-causing mechanisms.
Both are associated with the process of inflammation and the immune response.
Inflammation itself — often signaled by pain, heat and redness — is evidence of the body's immune system at work, attempting to fight disease, repair its effects, and prevent it from spreading.
Chronic or prolonged inflammation, however, can lead to serious problems in different parts of the body and a decline in overall health.
What does this mean, According to one large study,
If you're diabetic, your risk of dying from heart attack is over twice as great if you also have severe periodontitis — and for kidney disease, your risk is 8.5 times higher! Plus, uncontrolled periodontal disease makes it six times more likely that your ability to control blood sugar levels will get worse over time.
So not only can having one condition put you at risk for worsening the other — having both can cause a significant deterioration in your overall health.
A TWO WAY STREET:
While diabetes can't be cured, it's possible to manage the disease on a long-term basis.
And here's some good news: Clinical studies show that diabetics who get effective treatment for their periodontal disease also receive some significant benefits in their general health.
Many exhibit better blood glucose control and improved metabolic functioning after periodontal treatment.
What kinds of treatments might be needed? While much depends on the individual situation, some typical procedures might include: scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning that removes plaque bacteria from teeth, both above and below the gum line); antibiotic therapy; and oral hygiene self-care instruction.
Likewise, if you're at risk for diabetes but haven't yet developed the disease, there are some things you can do to forestall it.
While there is a significant genetic component, a major risk factor for diabetes is being overweight — so keeping your weight under control will better your chances of avoiding it.
High levels of triglycerides or low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol are also risk factors.
These may respond to changes in your diet — like cutting out sugary drinks and eating healthier foods.
Also, high blood pressure coupled with an inactive lifestyle puts you at greater risk. Here, moderate exercise can help.
When you go to a dental office, be sure to let them know if you're being treated for, or are at risk of developing diabetes. And if you are managing the disease, remember that it's more important than ever to maintain good oral health.
Why People with Diabetes Are More Prone to Gum Disease
All people have more tiny bacteria living in their mouth now than there are people on this planet. If they make their home in your gums, you can end up with periodontal disease.
This chronic, inflammatory disease can destroy your gums, all the tissues holding your teeth and even your bones.
Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease affecting those living with diabetes, affecting nearly 22% of those diagnosed.
Especially with increasing age, poor blood sugar control increases the risk for gum problems.
In fact, people with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum problems because of poor blood sugar control.
As with all infections, serious gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise.
This makes diabetes harder to control because you are more susceptible to infections and are less able to fight the bacteria invading the gums.
Yes,Your Dentist Can Help You Fight Diabetes
Research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in patients living with diabetes, decreasing the progression of the disease.
Practicing good oral hygiene and having professional deep cleanings done by your dentist can help to lower your
HbA1c.
(This is a lab test that shows your average level of blood sugar over the previous three months. It indicates how well you are controlling your diabetes.)
Your Diabetes Dental Health Action Plan
Teamwork involving self-care and professional care from your dentist will be beneficial in keeping your healthy smile as well as potentially slowing progression of diabetes.
Here are five oral health-related things you can do to for optimal wellness:
- Control your blood sugar levels. Use your diabetes-related medications as directed, changing to a healthier diet and even exercising more can help. Good blood sugar control will also help your body fight any bacterial or fungal infections in your mouth and help relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.
- Avoid smoking.
- If you wear any type of denture, clean it each day.
- Make sure to brush twice a day with a soft brush and floss correctly daily.
- See your dentist for regular checkups.
