Are Gum Diseases and Diabetes-Related?
Have you ever wondered about whether there is a connection between diabetes and gum disease? These two conditions can seem quite distinct from one another, but there is the potential that the states can be related to each other.
Are Gum Diseases and Diabetes-Related?
First of all, let’s have a look at this question. There is a substantial amount of evidence suggesting a direct link between diabetes and gum disease, so yes – gum disease and diabetes are related.
How Does Diabetes Impact on Gum Disease
Gum disease is a prevalent disease, and as a result, the vast majority of people will experience the condition at some point in life. However, for people who have diabetes already, gum disease can be more common, and the risk of developing gum disease is more significant. Those with Type 1 Diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease as standard; however, those with Type 2 Diabetes are dramatically more so. Type 2 Diabetics can be three times more likely to get gum disease than someone without the condition.
This is a result of the way that diabetes affects the mouth. The high glucose levels in the saliva allow bacteria to grow in your mouth, more so than those who do not have diabetes rapidly. This additional glucose supply allows plaque and the like to grow out of control quickly. Without being able to brush these bacteria away, gum disease can become a genuine danger.
Over time, plaque build-up on the teeth can harden and form a hard outer layer called tartar. This tartar can irritate the gums and cause gum disease. As time passes, this irritation can progress into severe conditions such as periodontitis resulting in great pain and tooth loss.
Other gum disease conditions that can also be common for people with diabetes include thrush, which causes sore white patches to appear on the gums and the tongue, and xerostomia. Your mouth characterizes this condition as unusually dry. The lack of moisture can cause cracked lips, mouth sores and infections, and general discomfort.
How to Avoid Gum Disease from Diabetes
If you have diabetes, primarily Type 2 diabetes, keeping a close eye on your oral health is essential. It’s imperative that you brush regularly, at least twice a day for two minutes, and use the correct type of toothbrush for your mouth. Also, flossing periodically and ensuring that you visit your dentist regularly will help protect your mouth against infection.
Your dentist can give you further support and ideas about how to protect your mouth against gum disease tailored to your unique situation, so make sure you ask them for advice the next time you book in for an appointment! Don’t let gum disease rule your life; take steps to stop it in its tracks today instead!
Our dentists at KRB Dentistry can give further support and ideas about how to protect one’s mouth against gum disease tailored to an individual’s unique situation, so make sure to ask any dentist for advice the next time an appointment is booked! Do not let gum disease rule your life; take steps to stop it in its tracks today instead! Book an appointment today at www.krbdentistry.com!