Over the last few years, clinical studies have proven that there is a connection between periodontal disease and diabetes. Ranked sixth on the list of the most common health complications caused by diabetes, periodontal disease poses a great risk to the health of diabetes patients. It is worth noting that diabetes patients are at least four times highly likely to experience severe bone loss as well as gum infection!
Diabetes: A brief overview
Diabetes is a very serious disease that attacks individuals whose bodies are unable to adequately use insulin or produce the hormone. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to convert starches, sugar as well as other types of foods into energy. To put it simply, insulin extracts sugar from your blood and subsequently transports it to your body cells. And this is how energy is derived from the entire process. People suffering from diabetes often experience difficulty using or making insulin, implying that their bodies are somehow under-fueled. This makes their blood sugar levels remain relatively higher, ultimately triggering a number of complications such as eye, heart as well as kidney problems.
Diabetes is a highly prevalent disease that currently affects nearly 20 million Americans, including adults and children. What’s more, research indicates that nearly 6 million don’t know that they have the disease!
Common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, constantly feeling of hunger or thirst or hunger, unending fatigue, blurred vision, wounds that don’t heal, dry and itchy skin, dry mouth, and tingling or numbness in either the feet or hands. Unfortunately, most people never notice any of the above symptoms. As a result, they mistakenly live with them as well as the condition as if they are living a normal life. And this clearly explains why at least 6 million living with diabetes don’t know they have the disease.
Periodontal disease: A brief overview
It is imperative to note that periodontal disease is also referred to as gum disease. It is an infection of the bone and gums that offers support to the teeth to keep them in your jaw as well as ligaments. If left untreated, it could easily result in tooth loss. Gum disease is primarily caused by bacterial plaque; a highly adhesive and colorless microbial film. Periodontal disease often results in the irritation of the gums, ultimately causing infection due to the highly toxic bacterial plaque.
So, what is the relationship between managing diabetes and treating periodontal disease?
If you are suffering from periodontal disease, the chances are high that you’ll find it relatively tough to manage diabetes. This is simply because your body’s reaction to gum disease can potentially boost your blood sugar levels. And this implies that those suffering from diabetes must diligently treat gum disease and eliminate it so that they can effectively manage their diabetes condition. Antibiotics are often highly effective at treating gum disease. And when fully treated, patients benefit from an improved blood sugar level. And this simply means that when periodontal disease is successfully treated, diabetes patients can minimize their insulin reliance.
If you are looking for a dentist, HPS Advanced Dental Care would love to see you. Dr. Heather is gladly accepting new patients.
We are located at 4741 24 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48316, and we can be reached at (248) 652-0024. We look forward to meeting you!
