Gum Disease and Diabetes: Detection and Treatment

Believe it or not, your gums and diabetes are strongly linked. Having diabetes increases your risk for periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. It's also fairly common, too. In a research article published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, the prevalence of the periodontal disease in diabetic patients was determined to be 86.8% (gingivitis 27.3% and Periodontitis 59.5%). Gum disease can lead to pain, bad breath, chewing difficulties, and even tooth loss because this disease is an infection of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place. While these symptoms may seem frightening, having awareness is the first step to detecting them. That way, you can take measures and maintain a healthy smile while managing your diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease that affects your body's ability to process sugar. When you can't control your blood sugar, increased bacteria levels may grow in your mouth, which can infect your gums. And at the same time, gum disease can also cause your blood sugar to rise, making diabetes more difficult to control, as you are both more susceptible to infections and less equipped to fight them. Luckily, good blood sugar control and practicing excellent oral hygiene will help your body fight bacterial infections in your mouth. We'll talk about more specific treatment plans later in the article.

According to the National Centre for Disease Control, the prevalence of diabetes in the country is 9%. Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% and Type 1 accounts for up to 10% of all diabetes. However, according to CDC, there is no definitive evidence that periodontal disease is more common in type 2 diabetes. The key is understanding that diabetes is a significant risk factor for periodontitis. A research article in the TMU Journal of Dentistry reports that one of the leading complications of diabetes, periodontitis, is an infection of the periodontal support tissues. Many studies have shown a greater incidence and a greater severity of periodontitis in diabetic patients. Meanwhile, a number of studies have suggested that periodontitis may actually be a risk factor for diabetic complications as well. So, whether you're diagnosed with type one or type two, managing your diabetes, along with excellent oral care, is more important than what type of diabetes you have when it comes to gum disease.

If you notice that you have inflamed or bleeding gums, you're not alone: it's a common condition for people with diabetes. But, having inflamed or swollen gums during diabetes could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis. As mentioned before, it's because too much glucose, or sugar, in your blood and saliva from diabetes can cause problems in your mouth, helping harmful bacteria grow, leading to plaque that can cause gum disease. If you have inflamed gums, you should immediately make an appointment with your dentist and alert your doctor as well. You don't have to live in pain; your team can get you fit with the right treatment. 

A lot of this information may seem disheartening, but know that managing your diabetes will exponentially decrease the symptoms of diseases like periodontal disease and get you back to smiling more confidently. A research article in the Journal of Medical College Chandigarh notes that treating periodontal infection in people with diabetes is clearly an important component in maintaining oral health. It may also have an important role in establishing and maintaining glycaemic control and possibly in delaying the onset or progression of diabetic complications. Get in the habit now of monitoring your gums daily for inflammation, redness, tenderness, and bleeding. Alert your dentist of your diabetes diagnosis to set up a treatment plan, and commit to excellent daily oral care.

Here are some ways you can practice good self-care if you have diabetes and want to reduce your risk of gum disease or inflammation:

• Keep control of your blood sugar levels: Use your diabetes-related medications as directed, eat a healthier diet, and incorporate exercise into your life. Good blood sugar control will help you fight bacterial infections in your mouth.
• Avoid smoking.
• If you wear dentures, clean them every day.
• Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and cleaning between your teeth. Make sure to brush twice a day with a soft brush and floss daily.
• See your dentist for regular check-ups, and discuss any symptoms like bleeding or swollen gums.

Managing gum inflammation and diabetes can be overwhelming, but you can do it! Maintaining excellent oral care, monitoring your mouth for gum disease, and getting regular dental care will decrease gum inflammation and risk of severe periodontal disease, increasing the quality of your life—and the quality of your smile.