Gum disease and diabetes; a two way street

Individuals with diabetes will show symptoms of gum disease more frequently than individuals without diabetes. Indeed, the increased chance that a diabetic will have gum disease is approximately three hundred percent in comparison to the general population.

Diabetes has long been associated with numerous conditions, including some serious systemic issues. These include;

• heart disease

• stroke

• high blood pressure

• Dry mouth with resultant fungal infection and increased bacteria growth in the gums and around the teeth. This bacterial growth will then go on to affect other body systems and organs.

Current scientific investigations also show that there is a direct relationship between the severity of a patient’s diabetic symptoms and the severity of the accompanying gum disease. One way to measure the severity of a diabetic condition is for the physician to make a record of blood sugar levels. Measurements of a patient’s blood sugar level can then be used by a dentist to gain insight into a patient’s risk for developing a worsening case of gum disease.

What is the connection between diabetes and gum disease?  

• There is growing interest about the role of inflammation as a cause of diabetes symptoms. To help prevent, and control, both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, doctors are now looking into how to control inflammation. Dentists are also considering how inflammation throughout the body of a diabetic patient is one possible cause of increased gum severity.

• Diabetes alters the normal chemical reactions found in the body’s cells. The result is a breakdown of normal cell function. These unwanted chemical reactions are called ’oxidative stress’ reactions, and will, over time, damage the body’s organs and cause unwanted genetic changes. Elevated levels of oxidative stress reactions is yet another important connection between diabetes and gum disease. This means that the more out of control the diabetes is, the worse the patients gum disease is likely to be.

• Another connection between diabetes and gum disease is the presence of dry mouth in the diabetic patient. Due to increased bacteria and inflammation from reduced saliva flow, diabetics will experience an increase in gum disease severity.

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The effect of gum disease on diabetes

We have now learned that diabetes affects general health and worsens gum disease, but there is a remarkable twist to the story. Studies are beginning to suggest that, not only does diabetes worsen gum disease, but the opposite is also true. Those who have out of control gum disease may be at risk for increased blood sugar levels and, therefore, for diabetes. It is also now suggested by large numbers of studies that the back and forth risk of ‘diabetes leading to worsening gum disease’ and ‘gum disease leading to increased diabetes symptoms’, may occur with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It should be noted, however, that the evidence for gum disease increasing the risk for type I diabetes, is not yet as strong.

Are we certain that gum disease puts us at risk for diabetes?

This remains a new area of study with much uncertainty. A number of studies, however, have continued to suggest that gum disease does worsen the symptoms of patients with diabetes.

At present, although it appears that gum disease WORSENS the symptoms of diabetes, there is no evidence as yet that gum disease actually CAUSES diabetes. Note this important fact. As of now we are talking simply about either diabetes or gum disease worsening the symptoms of the other - not causing each other.

Why should we be concerned about diabetes?

• The amount of diabetes in the population is increasing dramatically. Over the last two decades the number of diabetic cases in the US has increased several times. The American Diabetes Association believes that over 37 million Americans have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes with over 1.4 million new cases diagnosed each year.

• Along with the threat to general health, the increase in diabetes increases concern for tooth loss, increased gum disease, and a decreased quality of life.

• Much of good general health is based on familiar themes. Lose weight, eat healthy, stay active, and reduce or quit smoking altogether. Also, remember to schedule regular checkups with your physician and dentist. Following these common guidelines will reduce the chance of developing diabetes and gum disease and improve your overall health.

Risk factors for developing diabetes

We discuss elsewhere in mydentalfriend.com how to properly brush and floss and reduce the risk of gum disease. But what about diabetes? It is important to know if you might be at risk for developing diabetes. (as per the National Institute of Health). Here are some of the risk factors for diabetes:

• The development of gestational diabetes, which is a form of diabetes that appears during pregnancy.

• Being overweight for one’s height and build, even slightly overweight, places you at increased risk.

• A individual’s parents or siblings (brother or sister) have type 2 diabetes.

• Lack of exercise and failure to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

  What to do? Speak to your dentist about all these warning signs for diabetes. Your dentist is a good place to start when seeking guidance for your diabetes risk!