“How does diabetes affect gum health, and what precautions should I take?”
I have type 2 diabetes and I have periodontitis. How does diabetes affect gum health, and what precautions should I take?
3 Answers
Diabetes, especially type 2, can have a significant impact on gum health, as high blood sugar levels can make it harder for the body to fight off bacterial infections. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, emphasizes the importance of managing both diabetes and periodontal health to protect your teeth and gums.
Here’s how diabetes affects gum health and some essential precautions to take:
Increased Risk of Infection
Diabetes can impair blood flow, which reduces the body’s natural ability to fight infections, including those in the gums. This can make you more prone to periodontitis (gum disease), which is already a significant risk factor for tooth loss. Elevated blood sugar levels also feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to an increase in plaque and tartar buildup that can irritate gums.
Slower Healing
High blood sugar can slow the healing process, meaning that any dental treatments, like deep cleanings or surgery for periodontitis, may take longer to heal. Working closely with Dr. Egan and keeping your blood sugar in check is crucial for a quicker, more effective recovery.
Inflammation and Blood Sugar Control
Periodontal disease can increase inflammation, which may make blood sugar levels harder to control. This can lead to a challenging cycle where uncontrolled blood sugar worsens gum disease, which then makes blood sugar harder to manage.
Precautions for Diabetic Patients with Periodontitis
Maintain Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your diabetes well-managed is the most effective way to prevent gum disease from progressing. Work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure stable blood sugar levels, which directly benefit your oral health.
Commit to Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential steps. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps prevent plaque buildup, while antibacterial mouthwash can reduce bacteria that can worsen periodontitis.
Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular check-ups with Dr. Jeremy Egan at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma to monitor and manage your gum health. Deep cleanings every three to six months may be recommended to keep bacteria under control.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can exacerbate both diabetes and gum disease. Quitting smoking not only improves overall health but also enhances the effectiveness of diabetes and gum disease treatments.
Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbs can help control blood sugar levels and reduce plaque formation.
With these precautions, managing diabetes and gum health is possible. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan offers personalized care and expertise in treating patients with diabetes and periodontal issues, supporting your health with a proactive approach.
Here’s how diabetes affects gum health and some essential precautions to take:
Increased Risk of Infection
Diabetes can impair blood flow, which reduces the body’s natural ability to fight infections, including those in the gums. This can make you more prone to periodontitis (gum disease), which is already a significant risk factor for tooth loss. Elevated blood sugar levels also feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to an increase in plaque and tartar buildup that can irritate gums.
Slower Healing
High blood sugar can slow the healing process, meaning that any dental treatments, like deep cleanings or surgery for periodontitis, may take longer to heal. Working closely with Dr. Egan and keeping your blood sugar in check is crucial for a quicker, more effective recovery.
Inflammation and Blood Sugar Control
Periodontal disease can increase inflammation, which may make blood sugar levels harder to control. This can lead to a challenging cycle where uncontrolled blood sugar worsens gum disease, which then makes blood sugar harder to manage.
Precautions for Diabetic Patients with Periodontitis
Maintain Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your diabetes well-managed is the most effective way to prevent gum disease from progressing. Work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure stable blood sugar levels, which directly benefit your oral health.
Commit to Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential steps. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps prevent plaque buildup, while antibacterial mouthwash can reduce bacteria that can worsen periodontitis.
Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular check-ups with Dr. Jeremy Egan at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma to monitor and manage your gum health. Deep cleanings every three to six months may be recommended to keep bacteria under control.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can exacerbate both diabetes and gum disease. Quitting smoking not only improves overall health but also enhances the effectiveness of diabetes and gum disease treatments.
Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbs can help control blood sugar levels and reduce plaque formation.
With these precautions, managing diabetes and gum health is possible. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan offers personalized care and expertise in treating patients with diabetes and periodontal issues, supporting your health with a proactive approach.
Poor diabetic control goes along with poor diet, poor exercise, poor dental care, poor higiene. When one cares for the body it is total care and the teeth are part of the package. Poor diabetic control make poor gums and rotten teeth. Dr. Norwood
Diabetic type 2 will worsen your periodontal disease in general. Best precaution is keep your gum and mouth healthy and visit your dental office for routine check up .
