Periodontal Disease & Diabetes
The Mouth and Body Connection
Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
When people think of their oral health, diabetes may not be the first thing that comes to mind. In reality, though, diabetes can actually put a patient at a significantly higher risk for developing periodontal (gum) disease. This disease affects the gums, jawbone, and supporting structure of a patient’s teeth. Over time, this can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss.
The connection between diabetes and periodontal disease actually goes two ways: diabetes that isn’t properly being treated can increase the severity of gum disease, and an active periodontal infection can lead to more difficulty managing blood sugar levels.
At Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics, we understand the complex relationship between diabetes and periodontal health. Our team is able to provide evaluation and personalized treatment services to support not only the oral, but overall health of patients with diabetes.
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Dr. Drone is a native of Wheatfield, IN, and has been practicing dentistry since 2003, and opened his private practice in Valparaiso, IN, in 2007. Dr. Drone earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry and earned his advanced specialty degrees in Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics from Indiana University School of Dentistry and Medicine.
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The Mouth Body Connection and Periodontal Disease
Research has proven that there is a strong connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and osteoporosis. Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation above and below the gum line, the presence of disease-causing bacteria, bleeding of gum tissue when brushing or flossing, gum pockets, and bone loss. The bacterial infection in the mouth can spread throughout the body and lead to several problematic health issues. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, preventing periodontal disease, or reducing the progression of periodontal disease through dental treatments will have benefits beyond preventing gum disease and bone loss. It can prevent you from the chance of developing another serious health condition.
Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
Studies have shown the correlation between periodontal disease and diabetes, and it can worsen if either condition is not properly controlled. Diabetes is a serious and incurable disease that is characterized by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, there are an estimated 30 million people with diabetes, which is about 9.5% of the US population. There are two types of diabetes, Type I and Type II.
- Type I Diabetes: Individuals with Type I diabetes cannot produce insulin. The body breaks down sugars and starches you eat into a simple sugar known as glucose, which is used for energy. Insulin is a hormone that your body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into your cells of the body.
- Type II Diabetes: Individuals with Type II diabetes have too much glucose in their bloodstream and are unable to regulate the amount of insulin levels. Type II diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, representing 90-95% of all diabetes cases.
Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
- Increase in blood sugar levels: Diabetics have challenges in regulating blood glucose levels, but are more challenged if they have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease elevates blood sugar levels in the body, increasing the amount of time the body has to function with high blood sugar levels. Diabetics with periodontitis suffer from increased blood sugar levels in the saliva, and this can promote the growth of gum disease-causing bacteria, causing other periodontal infections.
- Blood vessel thickening: Diabetes has known cardiovascular and circulatory detrimental effects. Blood vessel thickening is a major concern for diabetics. Diabetes thickens the blood vessels and slows blood circulation, allowing bacteria to colonize. Blood vessels function to transfer
nutrients into tissues and transfer toxins out of tissues, but with thickening of the blood vessels, bacterial toxins linger in the body, causing harm to healthy tissue and organs. In addition, the body’s overall resistance to infections is reduced. - Smoking: Tobacco products significantly damage the oral cavity and can increase the incidence of developing oral cancer and periodontal disease. If you are diabetic, a smoker, and 45 years of age, then you are twenty times more likely to develop periodontal disease.
- Poor oral hygiene: Routine oral health care exams, brushing your teeth and gums effectively, flossing daily, swishing with oral rinses, and using other oral hygiene products are very important, but it is especially important for diabetics. When teeth and gums are not properly cared for, harmful bacteria can ingest the excess sugar and colonize beneath the gum line, increasing the incidence of periodontal disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It is essential that diabetic individuals have routine oral health care exams at a minimum of two times a year at Michael Drone Dentistry & Prosthodontics. Dr. Drone will evaluate the following: medical history, dental history, dental radiographs, saliva sampling, the condition of your gums, the condition of your teeth, and your jawbone to assess any risk factors for periodontal disease.
Dr. Drone will design a periodontal treatment plan with the hygienist and perform the necessary non-surgical periodontal procedures:
- removal of the tartar from the teeth
- removal of tartar above and below the gum line
- removal of bacteria on the roots of the teeth
- removal of bacteria in the gum pockets
- application of antibiotics into the gum pockets
- prescription for medicated mouthwash
- placement of fluoride
Once your appointment is completed, our team will discuss oral health care instructions, and we will recommend products to help meet your needs. During each appointment, Dr. Drone will re-evaluate your periodontal plan and make any necessary modifications.
Studies have demonstrated that periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planning and periodontal maintenance, can reduce the HbA1c (hemoglobin molecule blood test) count by 20% in a six-month period.