Diabetes, that is not
properly controlled, can lead to periodontal (gum)
diseases in both young and old people. Periodontal
diseases are infections of the gums and bone that hold
the teeth in place. Diabetes
and periodontal diseases:
Because of blood vessel changes that occur with diabetes,
the thickened blood vessels can impair the efficiency of
the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes from body
tissues. This impaired blood flow can weaken the gums and
bone, making them more susceptible to infection.
In addition, if diabetes
is poorly controlled, higher glucose levels in the mouth
fluids will encourage the growth of bacteria that can
cause gum disease.
A third factor, smoking,
is harmful to oral health even for people without
diabetes. However, a person with diabetes who smokes is
at a much greater risk for gum disease than a person who
does not have diabetes. (Smokers with diabetes over age
45 are 20 times as likely to develop severe gum disease
than a person without those risk factors.)
Paired with poor oral
hygiene, diabetes can lead to gingivitis, the first stage
of periodontal disease, or to periodontitis, severe gum
disease.
What are the
symptoms of periodontal disease?
The following are the most common symptoms of gum
disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms
differently. Symptoms may include:
- red, swollen, tender
gums
- bleeding while
brushing and/or flossing
- receding gums
- loose or separating
teeth
- persistent odorous
breath
- dentures no longer
fit
- puss between the
teeth and gums
- a change in bite and
jaw alignment
The symptoms of gum
disease may resemble other conditions or medical
problems. Consult a dentist or other oral health
specialist for a diagnosis.
What are the
different types of periodontal disease?
The different types of periodontal disease are often
classified by the stage the disease has advanced to at
the time of evaluation, including:
- gingivitis
With gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal
disease, the gums are likely to become red,
swollen, and tender, causing them to bleed easily
during daily cleanings and flossing. Treatment by
a dentist and proper, consistent care at home
help to resolve the problems associated with
gingivitis.
- mild periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis leads to mild periodontitis.
This stage of gum disease shows evidence of the
bone around the tooth starting to erode. Prompt
medical attention is necessary to prevent further
erosion and damage.
- moderate to advanced
periodontitis
This most advance stage of gum disease shows
significant bone and tissue loss surrounding the
teeth.
Treatment for
periodontal disease:
Specific treatment for periodontal disease will be
determined by your dentist based on:
- your age, overall
health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for
specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the
course of the disease
- your opinion or
preference
Treatment may include any,
or a combination of, the following:
- plaque removal
Deep cleaning can help remove the plaque and
infected tissue in the early stages of the
disease, while smoothing the damaged root
surfaces of the teeth. The gums can then be
reattached to the teeth.
- surgery
When the disease is advanced, the infected areas
under the gums will be cleaned, and the tissues
will then be reshaped or replaced. Types of
surgeries include:
- pocket reduction
- a regeneration
procedure
- a soft tissue
graft
- crown lengthening
Diabetes and other
oral problems:
Diabetes can also cause other oral problems, including:
- thrush
Thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth, occurs
more often in persons with diabetes because of
high sugar levels in the saliva (fungus thrives
on glucose).
- dry mouth
Often a symptom of undetected diabetes, dry mouth
means the mouth does not have enough saliva to
keep itself wet. Saliva is necessary to help
digest food, and prevent infection and tooth
decay by controlling bacteria and fungi. Dry
mouth can make tasting, chewing, and swallowing
food difficult, and can impede speech. In
addition, dry mouth can cause mouth infections
and tooth decay.
Although each
individual may experience symptoms differently,
symptoms of dry mouth may include:
- sticky, dry mouth
- dry lips
- sense of burning
in the mouth
- tough tongue
- mouth sores or
infection
Always consult your
physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for dry
mouth depends on the cause of the condition. Dry
mouth can be caused by medication, disease, cancer
treatment, and nerve damage. Some tips to prevent dry
mouth symptoms include:
- Take frequent
sips of water or sugarless fluids.
- Avoid caffeine.
- Drink fluids
during meals.
- Avoid spicy or
salty foods.
- Avoid tobacco and
alcohol.
- Use a humidifier
at night.
- Chew sugarless
gum or sugarless candy.
Preventing
periodontal disease and other oral problems:
Proper care of your teeth and gums can go a long way in
preventing the onset of oral problems associated with
diabetes. The following toothbrushing and flossing tips
are recommended by the National Institute of Dental and
Craniofacial Research:
Brushing |
- Brush twice
daily with a soft, nylon brush with
rounded bristles and fluoride toothpaste.
- Use small
circular motions and short back-and-forth
motions (avoid hard back-and-forth
motions).
- Brush the
tongue frequently.
|
Flossing |
- Dental floss
should be about 18 inches long with each
use.
- Use a
"sawing" motion in between the
teeth.
- Curve the
floss around each tooth and scrape up and
down several times, from below the gum to
the top of the tooth.
|
|