Diabetes and Oral Health

There is a link between diabetes and gum disease (periodontitis) in that each can affect the other, thus the link goes both ways.  Periodontitis is advanced gum disease that can cause tooth loss, but it starts as gingivitis … inflamed gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing.  When patients have gum disease, there is bacteria in the deep pockets between their tooth and gums.  This bacteria produces toxins that can affect the way that your body can process sugar, which can increase your blood-sugar levels.  The ability to process insulin can be affected, and thus diabetes can affect the body’s ability to fight infection.  It creates an on-going cycle.  Patients with diabetes should always do their best to brush twice daily for at least two minutes, floss daily, control their blood sugar, and maintain regular dental visits to try to catch anything early before an issue can progress into a bigger problem.