The Connection Between Periodontal Health and Diabetes: What Patients Should Know

Most people think of gum disease and diabetes as two completely separate health conditions. In reality, they share a surprisingly close relationship.

In fact, diabetes can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, and periodontal disease can make it harder to manage your blood sugar. It's a two-way street that can affect both your oral health and your overall well-being.

Read on as Dr. Jenny Herman and her team at Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants explain exactly how these two conditions are connected and what you need to know about your gums.

How diabetes affects your gums

Diabetes affects how your body processes glucose, but it also impacts your immune system and your body's ability to heal itself. (It’s why many people with diabetes struggle with slow-healing wounds on their legs and feet.)

In regard to your mouth, though, when blood sugar levels remain elevated, you may be more likely to experience:

• Increased plaque buildup
• Gum inflammation
• More severe gum infections
• Slower healing after dental procedures 
• Increased risk of gum inflammation (and peri-implantitis around dental implants)
• Dry mouth (diabetes medications can make your mouth produce less saliva)

As a result, people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease than those without diabetes.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that affects your gums. That’s why you’ll often hear periodontal disease referred to as simply gum disease. It’s typically caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is an anaerobic bacterium found in plaque. 

Gum disease typically begins as gingivitis, which can cause symptoms such as:

• Red gums
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

Without treatment, the infection can progress deeper below the gumline, cause gum recession, damage the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place, and lead to adult tooth loss. The same bacteria that contribute to gum disease can also increase your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The relationship goes both ways

Gum disease doesn't just result from diabetes; it can also make diabetes more difficult to control.

Periodontal disease triggers inflammation throughout your body. That inflammation may contribute to insulin resistance, which then makes it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.

In other words, unhealthy gums may make diabetes management more challenging.

Signs of gum disease to watch for

If you have diabetes, it's especially important to pay attention to symptoms such as:

• Bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth
• Tenderness when chewing
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together

Many people assume bleeding gums are normal. They're not. Healthy gums generally don't bleed when you brush or floss.

Periodontal treatment may benefit your gums and your overall health

Treating gum disease isn't just about protecting your teeth. According to the American College of Periodontology, improving periodontal health may help reduce inflammation throughout the body and support better blood sugar management in some people. 

While periodontal treatment isn't a substitute for diabetes care, it can be an important part of a comprehensive health plan.

What can you do to protect your gums?

If you have diabetes, a few simple habits can go a long way:

• Keep your blood sugar levels as well-controlled as possible
• Brush twice daily
• Floss every day
• Attend regular dental cleanings and exams
• Schedule periodontal evaluations as recommended by Dr. Herman
• Don't ignore signs of bleeding or swollen gums

Just as with most health conditions, the earlier periodontal disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. For example, gingivitis is often reversible with prompt treatment and improved oral hygiene. 

Advanced periodontal disease is different. Once gum tissue and supporting bone are lost, they don't naturally grow back, which makes early detection and intervention especially important.

Healthy gums support a healthier you

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and diabetes is one of the clearest examples of that connection. If you have diabetes, taking care of your gums isn't just about your smile. It's an important investment in your overall health, and Dr. Herman can help. 

As a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, she specializes in diagnosing and treating gum disease at every stage. She works closely with people who have diabetes to help protect their oral health and reduce the risk of periodontal complications.

Give us a call at 225-769-1444 or click here to request an appointment in our Baton Rouge, Louisiana, office.