31 Mar Diabetes and Gum Disease – The Diabolical Duo

Diabetes and Gum Disease – The Diabolical Duo; because one disease can impact the other. If you have diabetes you are at high risk of gum disease, tooth decay, thrush, mouth ulcers, taste disturbances and dry, burning mouth. And conversely like a two-way street, if you have gum disease it can be harder to control your diabetic blood sugar.

Sadly, around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes and 280 more Australians develop diabetes every single day. That’s one person every five minutes.”

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin – a hormone needed to process sugar to provide fuel and energy for the cells. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. All types of diabetes are complex and require daily care and management. Uncontrolled diabetes with elevated blood sugar levels can lead to serious medical complications.

Dr Patel says that, “The relationship between a person’s oral health and his/her diabetes is of utmost concern to dentists. While everyone is at risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems, people with diabetes are particularly at high risk for these complications.”

Diabetes and Gum Disease have been referred to as “The Diabolical Duo” because they can have a mutual but evil impact on each other. People with uncontrolled sugar levels are at greater risk for developing infections, including in the mouth such as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can impair diabetes control and may result in higher blood sugar, the makings of a cruel vicious cycle. Management of periodontal disease, which includes regular visits to the dentist, can result in better diabetic control. Conversely, management of your blood sugar can result in healthier gum tissues and control of gum disease.

The good news is that you can do something about it. Dr Patel recommends that, “people with diabetes must take their condition and oral care seriously.”

• Make a commitment to manage your diabetes. Monitor blood sugar levels and follow your doctor’s instructions for keeping the levels within the target range.
• Schedule visits to your dentist every six months to assess teeth and gums.
• Report any signs of gum disease – including redness, swelling and bleeding gums. Also mention any other signs and symptoms such as dry mouth, loose teeth or mouth pain.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products. Tobacco increases the risk of serious diabetes complications, including gum disease.
• Maintain good oral hygiene – Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, floss between teeth once a day to remove food and plaque, clean or scrape the tongue daily, avoid mouth rinses with alcohol, as they tend to make dry mouth worse and remove and clean dentures daily.

Remember, the link between periodontal disease and diabetes is a two-way street. One affects the other. Come visit us at Putney Dental Surgery and let us help steer you and your family on the road to good health.