Diabetes
and gum disease
Gum disease
is one of the lesser-known complications that can
affect patients with diabetes. It is estimated that
a third of all diabetics suffer from periodontitis
at some stage of their disease.
What
does gum disease have to do with diabetes?
When diabetes
is poorly managed, it can lead to periodontal diseases
in both children and adults. It has been recorded
as affecting children as young as 6. Periodontal diseases
may be classified as those infections which affect
the bone holding the teeth in place, and the gums.
When a body is suffering from diabetes, the structure
of the blood vessels is altered. This may affect the
efficiency the blood flow, and in turn may weaken
the bone and the gums, leaving them more prone to
infections.
Furthermore, if diabetes is not strictly managed,
there may be higher than usual levels of glucose in
the mouth fluids. This will encourage the growth of
gum disease-causing bacteria.
What
are the symptoms of gum disease?
The symptoms
of gum disease as a result of diabetes may manifest
themselves individually or in groups. To obtain an
accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to consult a dental
health expert. The symptoms may include the following:
Bleeding
in mouth stimulated by brushing and/or flossing
Swollen, red or tender gums
Gums in recession
Loose teeth
The presence of pus between the teeth or gums
Changed bit or jaw alignment
Persistent bad breath
What
forms of periodontal disease could I be suffering
from?
Periodontal
diseases are usually classified according to the level
to which the disease has advanced. These are as follows:
Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, and
is characterised by swollen, red or tender gums. This
may cause them to bleed easily during standard dental
health care routines such as brushing and flossing.
Gingivitis can usually be averted by a dentist, and
by following a home dental health care program.
Periodontitis
(Mild): When gingivitis goes untreated, it may lead
to mild periodontitis. This stage of the disease will
begin to erode the bone around the tooth. In order
to prevent further erosion, it will be necessary for
the patient to have prompt medical attention.
Periodontitis
(Severe): This is the most advanced stage of gum disease,
and is characterised by significant tissue and bone
loss around the teeth.
How
will my periodontal disease be treated?
Periodontal
disease is treated amongst diabetics in the same way
as other patients. However, the specific treatment
will be assessed depending on a variety of factors.
These will include the extent of the disease, your
diabetic condition, your tolerance of medications,
etc.
Following an assessment, and depending on the severity
of the disease, a variety of techniques may be employed.
These can include plaque removal, medication, surgery,
dental implants, and soft-tissue grafts.
What
other oral problems may be caused by diabetes?
Unfortunately,
the scope of diabetes to cause other oral problems
is not limited to gum disease. Diabetes may also cause
thrush through high glucose levels in the mouth. Dry
mouth and all of the related problems that occur with
it may also affect patients with diabetes.
How
do I prevent periodontal disease and oral problems?
An appropriate
dental health programme including regular brushing
and flossing can go a long way to preventing oral
problems associated with diabetes. Managing your blood
sugar well will also help to reduce the risk of developing
periodontitis. Also, periodontitis can work the other
way: at a severe level it may actually increase blood
sugar, putting a diabetic at risk of further complications.
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