Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the blood sugar is too high. Blood glucose or sugar is the primary source of energy in our body and comes from food. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from the food get into the cells and is used as energy. However, sometimes, the body does not produce enough insulin, and the glucose remains in the blood and does not reach the cells. This change in insulin causes diabetes in a person.

The American Diabetes Association has declared November as National Diabetes Month. Suffering from diabetes can take a toll on the entire body, including the teeth and gums. In addition, diabetes increases the susceptibility of a person to gum diseases.

Diabetes and gum diseases – all your need to know

Gum disease is an acknowledged complication associated with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can intercept with the mouth’s ability to fend off infection, increasing the risk of gum diseases. Two of the typical yet severe gum problems found in diabetes patients are –

• Gingivitis: Accumulation of bacteria can lead to the formation of plaque in the mouth. If you do not remove the dental plaque with proper brushing and flossing, it hardens under the gumline into a substance called tartar. The prolonged presence of tartar and plaque in the mouth’s baseline causes the gums to swell and bleed. This gum problem is known as gingivitis.

• Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can escalate into a more severe infection called periodontitis which causes the gums and jawbone to pull away from the teeth. As such, the teeth become loose and fall out.

Therefore, if uncared for, a person may also lose teeth due to gum diseases. In addition, studies reveal that one in five people who all their teeth have diabetes.

Gum diseases and diabetes is a double-edged sword when it comes to detrimental effects on health. Gum diseases make it harder to control and manage diabetes. Infections of the gums can cause blood sugar levels to rise. This rise happens because chronic inflammation can weaken the body’s immune system, directly influencing blood glucose levels.

Gum diseases diabetes, together, can be an absolute double burden. But, you can do a lot to manage both these chronic conditions effectively. Taking control of the blood sugar levels by using the prescribed medicines and making vital dietary changes and exercise goes a long way. You should also pay special attention to your oral health regimen and brush your teeth twice a day. Regular flossing is also essential in preserving good oral hygiene.

It is important to note that preventing and managing gum diseases should be a team effort. It would help if you took a consultation from your diabetes expert and dentists simultaneously. Collaborative efforts will help in keeping both issues under check. In addition, regular visits to the dentist, dental cleanings, and self-examination are critical ways to take care of the gums while being diabetic.

In case of discomfort or pain in teeth and gums, please visit your nearest dentist at the earliest.

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