There would hardly be any system in the body that is not affected by diabetes. Diabetes can damage the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and reduce the body’s resistance to infection and slow the healing process. Turns out, your gums are not spared too!
Diabetes and gum disease go hand in hand
Gum disease can happen more often, be more severe, and take longer to heal if you have diabetes. According to new studies the reverse may also be true.If you are diabetic, the chronic gum infections may make it more difficult for you to control your blood glucose (increasing A1C test results). And if you smoke, you are adding fuel to the fire. Your risk for gum disease increases manifold! Smoking also affects wound healing by impairing blood flow to the gums.
The revealing signs
Its time you take it seriously if you have frequent gum swelling with pus, increased bone loss in a short period of time, and gum disease not responding to normal treatment. They could be signs of diabetes.
How it all happens
Diabetes reduces your body’s immunity and impairs your body’s efficiency to fight plaque causing bacteria. In uncontrolled diabetes, increased glucose levels in the saliva boosts bacterial growth. If these weren’t enough, diabetes also slows your blood circulation. All these changes can cause your gums to get inflamed (swollen and red), resulting in bleeding gums. In more advanced forms of gum disease (periodontitis) the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth are destroyed.
High blood sugar, lack of hydration and/or nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) associated with diabetes weaken the function of the salivary glands thereby decreasing the production of saliva. This can lead to dry mouth which increases soreness, ulcers and infections of the gums.
High sugar levels in the saliva can also boost the growth of Candida (a type of fungus) and cause oral thrush – glossy white or red patches (resembling milk curds) in the mouth that can be wiped away to reveal red tissue that may bleed easily. These oral thrush patches may be painful or may become ulcers.
Because diabetes lowers your resistance to infection, it can delay healing and can complicate gum and oral surgeries. Controlling your blood sugar levels after surgery may also be difficult.
Prevention is the key
Being aware about the complications and taking necessary preventive actions can go a long way in keeping your gums healthy which in turn will help you keep your blood glucose under control. Take your medications and keep your blood glucose under control. Take additional care of your mouth. Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush twice and floss at least once daily. Visit your dentist regularly and get your teeth professionally cleaned once in six months. If you have any dental infections, get it treated immediately. Make sure your blood glucose levels are under check before undergoing any gum treatment or surgery.