“I am a diabetic and my gums have been bleeding. Is there something to be concerned about?”
I am 38 years old and i am a diabetic. All of a sudden I am suffering from bleeding in my gums. Is this something that I should be concerned about? Can the bleeding become more serious due to my diabetes?
32 Answers
Yes. Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease. Gum disease and diabetes is a big risk for heart disease and other systemic diseases
Diabetes may affect many aspects of your health. It is possible that the inflammation in your mouth is related. I suggest visiting your dentist, sharing your concerns with respect to your diabetes and your bleeding gums so that you may receive the best plan for treatment.
Do you see a dentist regularly for cleanings? Periodontal disease and uncontrolled diabetes go hand in hand.
Yes and yes. What's your A1C? How controlled are you? Also, are you seen by a hygienist for routine maintenance (cleanings)? You are at a increased risk for periodontal disease due to being a diabetic (although well controlled diabetics don't always develop periodontal disease). Bleeding is a sign of inflammation.
Yes, you should be concerned. Patients diagnosed with diabetes appear to have a higher chance of getting bone loss and gum disease when oral hygiene is lacking. However, the good news is that with adequate oral hygiene (brushing the right way and right amount of time and flossing or using interdental brushes) the issue can be controlled and even prevented. You should get a good cleaning and instructions (demonstrated to you in the mirror) on hygiene techniques.
Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation. If ignored, it can lead to periodontal disease which can lead to tooth loss. Floss everyday, make sure your diabetes is under control and see your dentist for an exam and check-up to monitor your periodontal status.
You didn't say whether you were in active care with a dentist, but if you're not you should run, not walk, to get into good, regular dental care. Diabetes has a significant impact on your oral health, and periodontal (gum) disease is extremely related to keeping inflammation to a minimum by having professional care in addition to doing fastidious home care to keep disease at bay. Diabetics are able to keep their teeth for whole lives if they are disciplined about staying current with dental care and practicing good home care (really effective brushing and flossing), but those who go without dental care run the risk of progressive periodontal disease, leading to poor prognosis for oral health, which can also complicate diabetes.
Bleeding gums is always a sign of periodontal disease and the that can vary from gingivitis (inflammation of the gums only) to progress to periodontitis (inflammation involving the bone and losing support for the teeth). Diabetics have a greater chance of gum problems then non diabetics and those who are not well controlled see greater severity of periodontal disease. Conversely, patients who have periodontal disease have more difficulty keeping their diabetes under control. Any signs of bleeding either on the toothbrush or when the patient spits indicates gum problems and should be addressed to stop the inflammation and associated bone loss and also help better control the diabetes. My advice is schedule an appointment with a dentist to have your gums evaluated and get it treated which will also help with your diabetes.
Gregori M. Kurtzman, DDS, MAGD, FPFA, FACD, FADI, DICOI, DADIA
Gregori M. Kurtzman, DDS, MAGD, FPFA, FACD, FADI, DICOI, DADIA
There are many reasons that your gums are bleeding. This is usually a result of gingival inflammation that is caused by something acute (like trauma) or something chronic (like periodontal disease). Long term bleeding may result in loose teeth and/or bone loss. The good news is that this condition may be controlled with regular home care like brushing, flossing, and using an anti-bacterial mouthwash. It is very important to follow-up with your dentist to determine the proper treatment. Most times this is something that can be easily managed.
Yes. If your diabetes is not control, it will cause increase bleeding. Diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease.
Amy G. David
Dentist
People with diabetes have a higher than normal risk of periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place. In advanced stages, they lead to painful chewing problems and even tooth loss. Like any infection, gum disease can make it hard to keep your blood sugar under control. Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease or other oral problems. I would definitely get checked out by a dentist, and determine if any periodontal or other
restorative treatment is needed.
restorative treatment is needed.
Good day
Diabetic is a risk factor for gum disease, but it is NOT the cause of it. First let's find out why is the gum bleeding? Because there's inflammation. Why is there inflammation? Because there are bacteria (plaque)present. Many people when they saw their gum is bleeding when brushing, they will tends to avoid touch that area, this is not a correct concept. Bacteria will just build up more and more, the gum will always be inflamed, and the gum will never get better.
My advice is visit a dentist and get a proper cleaning done, and then make sure you brush properly at home (properly I mean brush one to two teeth at a time and move in a sequence so that you know you've covered ALL the surfaces of all the teeth.) You shouldn't feel any roughness with your tongue after you brush, the teeth should be very smooth.
The bleeding gum will get better within two weeks time if you can improve the oral hygiene.
Kind regards
Dr Chun- I Lee
Diabetic is a risk factor for gum disease, but it is NOT the cause of it. First let's find out why is the gum bleeding? Because there's inflammation. Why is there inflammation? Because there are bacteria (plaque)present. Many people when they saw their gum is bleeding when brushing, they will tends to avoid touch that area, this is not a correct concept. Bacteria will just build up more and more, the gum will always be inflamed, and the gum will never get better.
My advice is visit a dentist and get a proper cleaning done, and then make sure you brush properly at home (properly I mean brush one to two teeth at a time and move in a sequence so that you know you've covered ALL the surfaces of all the teeth.) You shouldn't feel any roughness with your tongue after you brush, the teeth should be very smooth.
The bleeding gum will get better within two weeks time if you can improve the oral hygiene.
Kind regards
Dr Chun- I Lee
Do you guys work with Canadian dentist?
Paulo
Paulo
Yes. Gum disease directly affects you ability to control your diabetes and in turn your uncontrolled diabetes makes it more difficult to manage your gum disease. I recommend two things:
1) a complete oral examination to determine the extent of the gum disease and to establish a treatment plan to address the dental issues, and
2) a visit to your primary care physician to address the diabetes.
Uncontrolled diabetes will not only have oral issues, but can lead to other serious general systemic health issues.
1) a complete oral examination to determine the extent of the gum disease and to establish a treatment plan to address the dental issues, and
2) a visit to your primary care physician to address the diabetes.
Uncontrolled diabetes will not only have oral issues, but can lead to other serious general systemic health issues.
A dentist should look at your gums to determine the cause. It could be many reasons. But Diabetic people require cleaning of the teeth every 3 months to keep the gums, bone level and teeth healthy.
The simple answer to both your questions is Yes and Yes.
You need to be seen by your dentist asap, especially if you have not been in a while. Diabetes is a very complex disease. It effects almost every system in the body and if left uncontrolled could cause havoc or even worse. Gums should not bleed. A little bit of bleeding is often a warning that something may be going on. A lot of bleeding is a sign of lack of care or a true issue. Diabetes exacerbates everything and makes all issues just slightly worse. Please be seen for an evaluation as soon as possible and have your dental professional see what the true issues going on are.
You need to be seen by your dentist asap, especially if you have not been in a while. Diabetes is a very complex disease. It effects almost every system in the body and if left uncontrolled could cause havoc or even worse. Gums should not bleed. A little bit of bleeding is often a warning that something may be going on. A lot of bleeding is a sign of lack of care or a true issue. Diabetes exacerbates everything and makes all issues just slightly worse. Please be seen for an evaluation as soon as possible and have your dental professional see what the true issues going on are.
The bleeding is likely not caused by your diabetes, rather, not flossing and not getting regular cleanings at your recommended maintenance interval may be the source. Your diabetes, however, can be difficult to regulate with any gum disease. It is definitely recommended for you to visit the dentist and have a complete evaluation.
I'd like to know a little more about your oral hygiene habits, flossing, frequency of brushing before I make a recommendation as to the etiology or cause of your excessive bleeding. Most of the times, floss and good oral hygiene appropriately done daily and routine dental check-ups are enough to keep the gums healthy. Underlying causes such as periodontal disease need to be investigated, especially since you did mention your age and the services of a periodontist to evaluate would be appropriate. This will put you on the right path for the next phase of life and make sure your dental health is up to par with regular check-ups. Age is the nemesis of dental health, but it doesn't need to be. A good deal of time neglect is a very important cause of poor dental health.
Diabetics have a higher incidence of periodontal disease. We diabetics don't heal well/quickly. Make sure your diabetes is under control working with your MD and have teeth cleanings more often 3-4 times per year. Lastly, use good home care and at all costs avoid smoking.
Bleeding gums are important and require attention at anytime, but especially if you have diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes and periodontal or gum disease are closely related. New research is showing just how closely, gum disease can be a precursor to diabetes and can certainly be a symptom. See your dentist immediately and additionally follow up with your physician.
I too am diabetic. Diabetes can affect your gums and supporting structures. Check with your dentist as to what home care regimen he wants you to follow.
Yes! If diabetes is uncontrolled, it can show in the mouth (bleeding, sores, lack of healing). I recommend talking to your MD and Dentist. Diabetics really should have 3 cleanings per year, as the whole body risks are more prevalent.
Yes, diabetes is linked to gum disease. See a dentist asap.
Patients with diabetes have higher risk of gum disease. It is best to see a dentist to have your gum checked out.
Bleeding gums are a warning sign for you that something is wrong. Unhealthy tissues bleed. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can produce bleeding gums. This can be concerning for healthy people but being a diabetic means you have to be more vigilant.
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease that can lead to bad breath and tooth loss. See a dentist soon.
Yes, be concerned, treat diabetes
Yes. You definitely need to have that looked at. A Diabetic is at higher risk for infections
In short, yes. As a diabetic, especially if your sugar is not well controlled, your gums can be severely impacted. And if you have gum disease, it becomes much harder to control your diabetes. So, first, have your A1C checked. Has it suddenly gone up? Next, visit your friendly dentist and get your teeth and gums checked and then thoroughly cleaned. Finally, keep your teeth and gums really clean at home every day and every night. Without fail. That includes doing a really good job of brushing, preferably with an electric or battery-operated toothbrush (because it works far better than we could by hand) (And don't scrub wth it. Place the toothbrush against your tooth and let it sit for 2-4 seconds, then move to the next tooth and let it sit for 2-4 seconds, etc) and floss! You must keep clean between the teeth as well. So make an appointment today with both your endocrinologist and dentist.
Yes, gum disease is very common with a diabetic patient. If not treated loss of teeth is common. Other health issue may also show similar signs. Seek professional treatment.
Paridontal disease is very common in diabetes and you should be concerned about it. Unless treated you could lose all your teeth & even develop serious or even fatal septicemia. You need to do 2 things: 1) get your diabetes under strict control and 2) see a dentist specializing in this disease right away.
As a diabetic, it is very important to keep up with your routine dental cleanings to make sure nothing is infected and everything is healthy. There may be an underlying problem causing your gums to bleed. I would recommend calling your dentist and/or physician if the problem persists. Your dentist can recommend products to use to help with the bleeding gums....medicated mouthwash, electric toothbrush, Waterpik, etc. Good luck to you!
