Are people with diabetes at higher risk for gum disease?
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American Dental Association answered:Gum disease is one of the oral problems you are at greater risk of developing if you have diabetes.
Recent research suggests that the connection between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways. On the one hand, because of lowered resistance and a longer healing process, gum disease appears to be more frequent and more severe among those with diabetes. Conversely, it appears that treating gum disease in people with diabetes can help improve blood sugar control.
Gum disease is one of the oral problems you are at greater risk of developing if you have diabetes. Recent research suggests that the connection between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways. On the one hand, because of lowered resistance and a... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:If you have diabetes (abnormally high levels of sugar in your blood), you are at higher risk for other medical conditions including gum disease. You may be wondering how your blood sugar levels and your gums could possibly be connected. The connection is this: the bacteria that live in your mouth love sugar. People with diabetes often have higher levels of sugar in their body, which means that the bacteria in their mouth have more sugar to work with and can cause more damage.
Another reason that people with diabetes are at risk for gum disease is that diabetes is known to lower your immune system's ability to fight infection. Bacteria in the mouth can lead to infection. Left untreated, the infection can end up destroying bone and gum tissue in your mouth.
If you have diabetes and want to know more about how to prevent gum disease, talk to your doctor or dentist. Prevention is often as easy as daily brushing and flossing and regular check-ups with your dentist.
If you have diabetes (abnormally high levels of sugar in your blood), you are at higher risk for other medical conditions including gum disease. You may be wondering how your blood sugar levels and your gums could possibly be connected. The... More -
American Diabetes Association answered:Yes. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum disease and other dental problems. Diabetes may weaken your mouth and body's germ-fighting powers, and high blood glucose levels can make gum disease worse. At the same time, gum disease may make blood glucose levels harder to control.
Yes. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum disease and other dental problems. Diabetes may weaken your mouth and body's germ-fighting powers, and high blood glucose levels can make gum disease worse. At the same time, gum disease may... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Diabetics are more susceptible to the effects from infections and are slower to heal. Gum disease is an infection of the gums. Diabetics need to brush and floss regularly and see their dentist regularly for cleanings. The plaque buildup on the teeth can lead to gum disease. With proper dental care the effects of gum disease can be minimized with diabetics.Diabetics are more susceptible to the effects from infections and are slower to heal. Gum disease is an infection of the gums. Diabetics need to brush and floss regularly and see their dentist regularly for cleanings. The plaque buildup on the teeth... More
