The Connection Between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

It’s easy not to think about it - why would what’s going on in our mouth affect the rest of our body? As it turns out, the mouth is more than just a vehicle for food to enter our system! The oral environment is a breeding ground for bacteria, both good and bad. How we take care of it directly impacts the health of our body overall. Let’s consider the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes as a prime example.

Periodontal disease and diabetes is a two way street; the presence of either condition can increase the risk for the other. To break it down:

Periodontal Disease Effects

• Inflammation - periodontitis increases the body's overall inflammation, leading to an increased risk of diabetes

• Poor blood sugar control - the inflammatory nature of this condition can lead to insulin resistance, directly impacting your ability to regulate your blood sugar

• Increased risk of complications - in individuals who have both periodontal disease and diabetes, the chance of complications soars: it is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease

Diabetes Disease Effects

• Less saliva - decreased saliva, your body’s first defense against harmful oral bacteria, means more bacterial proliferation and a greater chance of decay and disease

• Higher glucose in saliva - additionally, the concentration of sugar in the saliva that is present contributes to the proliferation of disease causing bacteria

• More susceptible to infection - diabetes weakens the body’s immune system response, making you more prone to infections like periodontal disease

• Blood vessel changes - in diabetics, the blood vessels thicken, which makes it harder for the body to deliver nutrients and remove waste from gums, thereby increasing the chance of infection

What can be done to manage this connection effectively?

• Control your blood sugar - important for both conditions, regulated blood sugar reduces inflammation and risk of infection

• Practice good oral hygiene - see our home care guide for tips on how to care for your teeth at home!

• See your doctor and dentist regularly - regular checkups for both your oral and overall health will aid in prevention and early detection of any issues

Gum disease doesn’t just share a symbiotic relationship with diabetes; heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and complications in pregnancy are all a concern when gum disease is present. Worried about your gum health? Talk to us about a comprehensive evaluation today!