Understanding Diabetes Gum Problems

Due to the prevalence of this condition and its effects – including diabetes teeth and gum problems – understanding diabetes is key to protecting your general and oral health.

Diabetes is a condition that affects your body’s ability to regulate your blood glucose (sugar) levels. There are two main types: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

After you eat, the levels of glucose in your blood rise, and your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. This hormone helps to move glucose into your cells, where it can be used for energy. But if you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas might not produce enough insulin, or may produce none at all. And the cells may also stop responding to the insulin it does produce (insulin resistance).

In all cases, your blood glucose levels remain high because glucose is not being moved into your cells. Diabetics may manage this by injecting synthetic insulin to help control their blood sugar, carefully managing the sugar in their diet, or both. However, lots of people actually live with diabetes for a long time before they realize they have it. When they do discover it, they may find that keeping their blood glucose stable is difficult. 

Unfortunately, long-term high blood glucose can wreak havoc on almost every system in your body, from your heart and kidneys, to your brain and nerves, to your eyes and toes. And in recent years, we’ve also discovered that diabetes can affect your oral health, too.

In recent years, there has been growing evidence of a link between diabetes and teeth and gum problems. Specifically, gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria. It starts with inflamed gum tissue (gingivitis, or early gum disease), but can develop into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. This also affects the bones and connective tissues that hold your teeth in place, which is why gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. As diabetes affects the immune system, diabetics are more vulnerable to the bacteria that causes gum disease and less able to stop it from spreading. Diabetes also impairs the gums’ ability to heal.

Research suggests the relationship between diabetes and gum disease is a two-way street. Gum disease makes it difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar, which can worsen diabetes and increase the risk and severity of diabetic complications. This creates a vicious cycle in which they are even more vulnerable to gum disease bacteria.

The most common symptom of gum disease is sore, red or inflamed gums that may bleed when brushing. You might also notice bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. 

The signs of diabetes include: 

• Needing to urinate more often. 

• Feeling very hungry and thirsty.

• Fatigue. 

• Losing weight without trying. 

• Blurry vision. 

• Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet. 

• Slow healing of wounds. 

Both gum disease and diabetes can have serious long-term impacts on your health and wellbeing, but you can reduce complications by catching them as early as possible. If you notice signs of either condition, see your dentist or physician right away. 

If you're diabetic and want to prevent diabetes teeth and gum problems, you must first control your blood glucose levels. If your blood sugar is not well-regulated, you may need to postpone any non-emergency dental procedures.

People diagnosed with diabetes and prediabetes need to be extra proactive with their oral health. Good oral habits should include brushing for two minutes twice a day and using floss at least once a day. Even with these good habits, professional dental cleanings may need to be scheduled more often - every three to four months - in order to maintain oral wellness.

Make sure you see your dentist if you experience any signs of gum disease – such as red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth. Other oral health problems associated with diabetes include fungal infection and dry mouth.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.