How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Diabetes?

This is especially true when considering the correlation between periodontal disease and diabetes; each of the two conditions actually both have a direct effect on the other.  Continue reading to learn more about how these two conditions are related.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an advanced stage of gum disease that is caused by an accumulation of harmful bacteria under the gumline. People with periodontitis commonly experience bad breath, bleeding, and pain and swelling in the gums. They may also experience looseness or the eventual loss of teeth, as the bacteria underneath the gumline slowly eats away at both the bone and gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. Periodontal disease can not be reversed, but with proper clinical intervention, it can be successfully managed with deep cleanings, known as scaling and root planings, that go below the gumline as well as antibiotics placed under the gums to discourage the growth of bacteria.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body is unable to produce or use insulin, which assists the body in using blood sugar for energy. When this happens, blood sugar remains inside the bloodstream, which has the potential to eventually lead to health conditions such as kidney disease, vision loss, and heart disease.

There are two types of diabetes:

• Type 1 is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin. It is not preventable.
• Type 2 occurs when the body simply cannot properly use insulin. This type of diabetes has the potential to develop over time. It can be delayed or prevented with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and losing weight.

How Periodontal Disease Affects Diabetes

Individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease face a greater risk of developing diabetes; periodontal disease, when severe, has the potential to increase the blood sugar levels in the body. This can make it extremely difficult for diabetic individuals to control their blood sugar.

In a study conducted at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, researchers compared the risk of developing diabetes over 20 years between individuals with periodontal disease and individuals who did not have periodontal disease. The people with periodontal disease were found to be nearly twice as likely to become diabetic within the 20-year timeframe.

How Diabetes Affects Periodontal Disease

Individuals with diabetes face a high chance of developing periodontal disease, with the largest reason being that diabetic individuals are much more susceptible to developing infections. In fact, periodontal disease is a widely-known and common official complication of diabetes.

When a diabetic individual takes the proactive steps to manage their dental health while ensuring that their diabetes are under control, they are increasing their chance of being able to avoid developing periodontal disease.

Here at EZ Dental, we are here to help you manage your oral health to maintain the healthiest smile possible, and therefore, the healthiest you possible. For more information about periodontal disease treatment in San Jose, give us a call at (408) 227-6000.