Can Diabetes Affect Your Teeth And Gums?
Did you know that trouble keeping your blood sugars in control could lead to an infection? That infection could be in your gums. That’s right. People with diabetes have a higher incidence of gum disease or periodontal disease than people without diabetes. In this article, we will look at the link between diabetes and periodontal disease. We will look at what it is, what are the prevention and treatment options available, some other oral problems that are also linked to diabetes, and more. Just like high blood glucose makes it easier for you to get an infection in other places in your body, high blood glucose levels also make it easier to get a gum infection, or other infection in your mouth. Decaying teeth and poor oral habits contribute to periodontal disease, as does smoking. We will take a look at all of that here. First, let’s see why Martin contacted TheDiabetesCouncil. Martin was interested in learning more about his high blood sugars and their effects on his teeth. He had been trying to get his blood sugar levels down, but nothing he seemed to do with diet, exercise, or medications helped in aiming his target range for blood sugars or in an A1C range that he was comfortable with. He was due to pay a visit to his dentist since his last visit was over a year ago. Martin’s dentist told him that he was at the start of a periodontal disease, and in addition, he had a gum infection. He wondered if the infection in his gums may be a reason for why he was unable to keep his blood glucose in a good range. An infection anywhere in your body could be a reason for unruly blood glucose. Let’s see if we can answer Martin’s question in depth. What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection that develops of the gum, and underlying bone, that holds the Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Dental Care: Guide To A Healthy Mouth
What do brushing and flossing have to do with diabetes? Plenty. If you have diabetes, here's why dental care matters — and how to take care of your teeth and gums. When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body — including your teeth and gums. The good news? Prevention is in your hands. Learn what you're up against, and then take charge of your dental health. Cavities and gum disease Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of: Tooth decay (cavities). Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When starches and sugars in food and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the surfaces of your teeth (enamel and dentin). This can lead to cavities. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches — and the more acid wearing away at your teeth. Early gum disease (gingivitis). Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. If you don't remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it'll harden under your gumline into a substance called tartar (calculus). The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva — the part of your gums around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is gingivitis. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis). Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth, which in turn causes your teeth to loosen and possibly fall out. Periodontitis Continue reading >>
Diabetes Took My Teeth But Not My Life
CNN Fit Nation's Sia Figiel now stocks up on fruits and vegetables along with lean meats and whole-grain carbohydrates. At the time, I was caring for my mother, who was on dialysis and had had her leg amputated. As a family, we knew very little about diabetes -- only that once you got it, you deteriorated and died. Like our father, who suffered a stroke and then died years later of a massive heart attack brought on by complications of diabetes. Both my parents, in fact, died from complications of diabetes. They were strong pillars of our family and community, taken way too soon by a disease that is the leading cause of death among Pacific Islanders. Before seeing the doctor, I had been experiencing extreme thirst, especially at night. The tips of my toes felt like bees lived there and were desperate to burst out of my skin. My vision became blurred after each meal. It was 2 p.m. and I hadn't eaten anything when the doctor tested my blood sugar level. It was in the high 200s. Normal is between 110 and 125. You have diabetes, Ms. Figiel, the doctor said. He prescribed metformin and directed me to a dietitian. She further reiterated what the doctor had told me: how food was related to high blood glucose levels and how consistently high blood glucose levels will eventually lead to amputations, blindness, kidney failure, stroke and other complications. I followed the dietician's plan for the next few months. I took up walking and noticed that my vision had become clearer. But it didn't take me long to fall back to my old eating habits. A colleague's birthday celebration, a brother's graduation party, a friend's wedding, a cousin's funeral -- these were all occasions where food was at the center. And in our culture, you show appreciation and respect for those who prepared the Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Dental Related Problems-causes And Prevention
The presence of too much glucose in the blood due to diabetes and dental problems can turn out to become the cause of many dental problems. The issues can range from pain, infection and many such other issues. The parts of your mouth that are affected by diabetes are the teeth, gums, jaw, and tissues of the tongue including the insides of your cheeks. Glucose is present in the saliva, and when diabetes goes out of hand, it results in high glucose levels in the mouth. These bacteria end up forming a soft and sticky layer on the tooth. It ultimately leads to tooth decay, cavities, gum diseases and bad breath. This is the leading cause of many infections, predominantly of the teeth and gums. Diabetes can become the cause of pain and soreness in the gums, jaws, tissues, teeth, and tongue. People often wonder how diabetes gets invariably linked to teeth problems. The fact is that when diabetes is at an advanced stage, it leads to an increase in the glucose content of mouth. This glucose content is the highest in the saliva leading to the formation of bacteria in the mouth. This bacterium creates a sticky layer on the tooth that builds up with time. The end result is bad breath, cavities, gum diseases and tooth decay. The answer to can you lose your teeth with diabetes A severe form of gum disease called periodontal syndrome occurs as a result of diabetes. This is the stage where your gums start to pull away from the teeth. There are pockets formed between your gums and teeth. The pockets deepen when they get filled with germs and pus. When the condition of your teeth reaches this point, the only way is gum surgery. If you get late in performing the gum surgery, then there are chances of losing your teeth. The relationship between gum problems and diabetes There is a high cha Continue reading >>
Diabetes, Gum Disease, & Other Dental Problems
How can diabetes affect my mouth? Too much glucose, also called sugar, in your blood from diabetes can cause pain, infection, and other problems in your mouth. Your mouth includes your teeth your gums your jaw tissues such as your tongue, the roof and bottom of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks Glucose is present in your saliva—the fluid in your mouth that makes it wet. When diabetes is not controlled, high glucose levels in your saliva help harmful bacteria grow. These bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque. Plaque also comes from eating foods that contain sugars or starches. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay or cavities. Other types of plaque cause gum disease and bad breath. Gum disease can be more severe and take longer to heal if you have diabetes. In turn, having gum disease can make your blood glucose hard to control. What happens if I have plaque? Plaque that is not removed hardens over time into tartar and collects above your gum line. Tartar makes it more difficult to brush and clean between your teeth. Your gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily—signs of unhealthy or inflamed gums, called gingivitis. When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to gum disease called periodontitis. In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces, called pockets, which slowly become infected. This infection can last a long time. Your body fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Both the bacteria and your body’s response to this infection start to break down the bone and the tissue that hold the teeth in place. If periodontitis is not treated, the gums, bones, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. Teeth may become loose and might need to be removed. If you hav Continue reading >>
Teeth Loss Linked To Heart Attacks, Diabetes And High Cholesterol ‘because It Causes Inflammation In The Bloodstream’
Study links gum disease with heart disease and diabetes Regular dental treatment can cut the risk of heart disease Risk markers also include 'bad' cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and waist circumference. Losing your teeth could signal a higher risk of suffering heart disease and diabetes, warn researchers. A new study links fewer teeth and bleeding gums with a range of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Experts say getting gum disease treated with a dental check-up every year could cut the risk of developing heart disease. Previously, researchers found poor dental hygiene and bleeding gums could allow up to 700 different types of bacteria to get into the bloodstream, which increases the risk of a heart attack regardless of how fit and healthy the person is. Gum disease causes bad breath, bleeding gums and, if untreated, cavities, receding gums and tooth loss after bacteria or plaque settles between teeth and under the gumline. It has been linked to chronic health problems including heart disease, thought to be caused by inflammation into the bloodstream. In the first study of its type, Swedish researchers looked at patients with chronic coronary heart disease taking part in a drugs trial and examined their dental health. At the start of the study, 15,828 study participants from 39 countries reported their remaining number of teeth, classified as: none, 1-14, 15-19, 20-25 or 26-32, and frequency of gum bleeds: never/rarely, sometimes, often or always. Around 40 per cent of patients had fewer than 15 teeth and 16 per cent had no teeth, while one in four reported gum bleeds. For every fall in the number of teeth recorded, the study found increasing levels of an enzyme that increases inflammation and promotes hardening of t Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Dental Complications
It has long been known that having diabetes increases the risk of severe periodontal disease. For example, people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease than those with well-controlled diabetes. Studies have found that poorly controlled diabetes respond differently to bacterial plaque at the gum line than do people with well-controlled diabetes and people without the disease. Also, people with poorly controlled diabetes have more harmful proteins (cytokines) in their gingival tissue, causing destructive inflammation of the gums. In turn, beneficial proteins (growth factors) are reduced, interfering with the healing response to infection. Lastly, people with diabetes tend to lose collagen, a protein that supports gums, skin, tendon cartilage, and bone, in their gum tissue, thus hastening periodontal destruction. Vascular disorders (caused by diabetes), such as reduced circulation in tiny blood vessels in the gums, interfere with nutrition and healing in the gum tissues. Young people with type 1 diabetes, especially those with poor control, are very vulnerable to early-onset periodontal disease as they reach puberty. Studies on Diabetes and Dental Problems A study published in the September 2002 issue of Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice looked at 102 patients, average age 65 with type 2 diabetes. In this Swedish study, the researchers conducted a comprehensive dental examination and then compared these results with the same battery of tests given to a control group without diabetes but otherwise the same in terms of age and gender. The results indicate that subjects with diabetes had more pockets between teeth, which indicate moderate to advanced gum disease. They also had deeper pockets. The group with diabetes had mo Continue reading >>
Are You At Risk For Tooth Loss?
Disembodied dentures smiling back at you from a glass. A sunken-in, toothless face. Hours in a dental chair, awaiting expensive implants. If images like these give you the heebie-jeebies, take heart. Although tooth loss is common, it's not an inevitable part of aging, says Richard H. Price, DDS, a retired dentist in Newton, Mass., and spokesman for the American Dental Association. "Teeth do not die a natural death -- we kill them," Price says. Exactly how do we do that? In short, by disease or trauma, Price says. Tooth Loss from Trauma "When an irresistible force meets the immovable object, something gives," Price says. Trauma might be anything from getting hit by a baseball to biting on a frozen candy bar. Your teeth are great tools. But not for things like: Removing caps, tops, or lids Cracking ice cubes, nut shells, or popcorn kernels Chewing on pencils or pens Holding clothes hangers Loosening knots or tearing off tags Cutting thread Clenching and grinding - often done in response to stress -- can also put too much stress on your teeth. It can also mean a bite is unbalanced, Price says. Both deserve your attention. Tooth Loss From Disease Plaque -- bacterial buildup that resides in sticky stuff on your teeth -- causes decay and can lead to periodontal disease, which inflames gums and destroys supporting tissues such as ligaments and bones. And with their demise can come loose -- and eventually lost -- teeth. Poor oral hygiene and lack of professional care are big contributors. Other factors that put you at greater risk for periodontal disease and potential tooth loss include: Changing hormones during pregnancy can also affect a woman's response to disease. So it's especially important to get regular professional care throughout pregnancy. People with developmental a Continue reading >>
Is Diabetes Causing Tooth Loss?
Dental health is a real concern for many people with diabetes, but it does not get the attention it deserves. I am glad that you are bringing it up. Diabetes is linked to tooth loss primarily because people with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases are infections, inflammations, and loss of tissue in the gums and other tooth-supporting structures such as bone. Individuals with diabetes, especially those who have poor glucose control, have a blunted defense mechanism against infections. Minor infections in the mouth, therefore, can linger on or worsen, causing chronic inflammation and erosions. Along with poor glucose control, smoking and alcohol use also cause and aggravate periodontal disease. And this isn't just a problem in adults with diabetes. Diabetic children, too, often have extensive periodontal disease by the time they reach adolescence. Keep in mind that periodontal diseases are preventable and can be treated. It is very important to do so not only to prevent tooth loss but also because periodontal disease is linked to heart attacks and strokes. In the past few years, we have come to understand that individuals who experience heart attacks and strokes also tend to have periodontal disease. People with diabetes should maintain normal glucose levels, get regular dental care, floss at least daily, refrain from smoking, and drink in moderation. Learn more in the Everyday Health Type 2 Diabetes Center. Continue reading >>
People With Diabetes Twice As Likely To Lose Teeth
Diabetes can take a toll on a person's health in any number of ways, including vision, cardiovascular, and nerve problems -- but many people don't realize it can harm teeth, too. A new study highlights the risk and reveals that people with diabetes lose twice as many teeth as those without the condition. The study, from Duke University researchers, shows that while tooth loss has dropped overall in the U.S. over the past 40 years, people with diabetes remain much more vulnerable. Black Americans with diabetes are especially likely to lose teeth. The study authors analyzed data on more than 37,000 individuals who were examined between 1971 to 2012 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to learn about tooth loss trends among U.S. adults. "They did indeed find there was a clear connection between tooth loss and diabetes, especially among African Americans," said American Dental Association spokesperson Dr. Edmond Hewlett. He said the study sheds light on two issues that are important and timely public health concerns. "One is the connection between oral health and overall health. This is something we've been aware of, but this gives additional strong evidence about that. And the other big thing is health disparities -- the rate at which some diseases can affect some racial or ethnic groups more than others," said Hewlett, who is also a professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry. Hewlett said diabetes can put patients at more risk for gum disease and eventually tooth loss, but that it works the other way around, too. "Gum disease can also complicate diabetes and make it more difficult to manage. Then let's layer on the access to care issue that some patients face. There's other good evidence showing African Americans have lower access to dental ca Continue reading >>
The Diabetes Side Effect You've Never Heard Of
Something to chew on: The 8.3% of Americans suffering from diabetes are also at greater risk for tooth loss—especially those over age 50, finds a new study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. A team of New York-based researchers analyzed national data on more than 2,500 people age 50 and up. Here’s what they discovered: Diabetics—including those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes—were missing an average of nearly 10 teeth at the time of oral examination compared to non-diabetics, who were short fewer than seven teeth. And that’s not all: Diabetics were also twice as likely to suffer from edentulism, a complete absence of teeth; twenty-eight percent of diabetes sufferers were toothless, compared to just 14% of those without diabetes. The study authors say there may be several ways to explain the connection between diabetes and tooth loss. One theory is that hyperglycemia—or high blood sugar—disrupts the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products from the tissue in the gums. Over time, that leads to periodontal disease and, eventually, to tooth loss. While those who have poorly controlled diabetes are most likely to experience tooth decay, even well-managed diabetics are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease. What should diabetics do to protect themselves? Apart from brushing twice a day and flossing regularly, some diabetics may need to visit their dentist four times a year for a professional tooth and gum cleaning, says study co-author Jayanth Kumar, DDS, MPH, of the New York State Department of Health’s bureau of dental health. Gum disease starts when bacteria on your teeth harden into tartar, and only your dentist can clear that tartar away. Avoid sugary snacks, which are well-known tooth decayers, and reach for Continue reading >>
Periodontal Disease In Diabetic Patients Can Lead To Tooth Loss
by Donna Pleis Diabetes is a very deceptive disease with some surprising statistics. It affects approximately 25.8 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease in diabetic patients can ultimately result in the loss of one or more teeth. In fact, the American Dental Association published a recent study that linked one in five cases of total tooth loss to diabetes. Understanding Periodontal Disease Like diabetes, periodontal disease can be sneaky and develop slowly without a lot of warning. As detailed by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gum disease starts when bacteria in your mouth forms a sticky plaque biofilm that adheres to your teeth, especially around the gum line. If not removed regularly and thoroughly, the bacteria in the plaque creates toxins that cause inflammation of your gums. Symptoms of this first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, are red, swollen and bleeding gums. If untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis. As more plaque forms on your teeth, at the gum line and under your gums, it eventually hardens into tartar. This causes your gums to pull away from your teeth and form loose pockets. The bacterial toxins create an infection within the pockets that starts to destroy the bone and ligaments surrounding your teeth. Without bone and strong connective tissue to support your teeth, they will begin to loosen, and you may eventually have to have teeth removed. The Diabetes-Periodontal Disease Connection If you are diabetic, you know that high blood sugar levels put you at risk for problems with your kidneys, eyes and heart. In addition, diabetes causes your healing process to be slower an Continue reading >>
Coast Dental Blog How Diabetes Can Affect Your Teeth And Gums
Diabetes affects almost 26 million Americans, which is more than 8 percent of the U.S. population. The condition often requires them to make lifestyle changes, including what they eat, how they exercise and the medications they take. It also requires them to change the way they take care of their teeth and gums. About one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease which is causing the gum tissue and bone around the teeth to break down, according to the National Institutes of Health. People with poorly-controlled diabetes had a 2.9 times increased risk of developing periodontitis than non-diabetics, according to a large study published in 2002. The same study found people with well-controlled diabetes had no significant increase in the risk of periodontitis. There are several reasons why poorly-controlled diabetes can increase your chance of getting periodontal disease, said Dr. Dale Nash, a dentist at Coast Dental Wesley Chapel. In the past decade, Dr. Nash has seen an increase in the number of patients with diabetes. "People with diabetes are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection," Dr. Nash said. "Diabetics have high blood sugar, which basically coats the immune-fighting cells and affects the blood supply to many areas of the body including the patient’s mouth." Here’s how it works: The poor circulation affects the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the gums, called the gingiva, and the cells in your mouth that help fight off infection. If the gums can’t get the nutrients they need, then it’s harder to fight infection. Also, poor circulation means the blood can’t carry away bad bacteria effectively. Research shows the functions of immune cells in poorly-controlled diabetics are altered in other ways.(1) One kind o Continue reading >>
The Dangers Of Tooth Loss With Diabetes
You might want to think twice before blowing off that next dentist appointment, especially if you have diabetes. Duke University researchers found that adults with diabetes were about twice as likely to lose their teeth compared to those without diabetes. This was especially true for racial and ethnic minority groups, particularly African Americans, who have a higher prevalence of diabetes. The study did find that tooth loss has dropped overall in the United States over the past 40 years, but people with diabetes still remain at greater risk for tooth loss. Bei Wu, PhD and lead researcher in the study, said the cross-sectional data analysis highlights the need for more examination of the association between tooth loss and diabetes. “We need to pay attention to the complications of poor oral health and diabetes,” she told Diabetic Connect. “There is a potential bidirectional relationship between poor oral health and diabetes. Diabetes can cause the inflammation of the periodontal disease. On the other hand, if a patient has periodontal disease, which is manifested by infection and inflammation, he or she will run into difficulty with glycemic control.” Diabetes and oral health Why is diabetes so bad for your oral health? It all comes down to blood sugar, according to Cleveland Clinic. Uncontrolled blood sugar weakens white blood cells, which are the body’s main defense again bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth. This means that people with diabetes are more likely to have infections of their gums and the bones that hold their teeth in place. Diabetes can also reduce the blood supply to the gums, according to WebMD. When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may help bacteria thrive, according to the American Dental Assoc Continue reading >>
Diabetes Linked To Increased Risk Of Tooth Loss
Study of 40-year trend focused on three ethnic groups prone to dental complications. Diabetes has been increasing in the United States over the years. According to the CDC, diabetes rate have tripled from 1980 to 2014. Diabetics are at risk for multiple complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, eye damage, hearing impairment, skin disease, and periodontal disease. Researchers have identified a relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. About half of the U.S. population suffers from periodontal disease and the prevalence for periodontal disease is greater in adults with diabetes. “One of the many complications of diabetes is a greater risk for periodontal disease,” said Maria E. Ryan, DDS, PhD, Professor of Oral Biology and Pathology, and Director of Clinical Research, School of Dental Medicine, Stony Brook University, New York, in a recent interview. “If you have this oral infection and inflammation, as with any infection, it’s much more difficult to control blood glucose levels.” Intensive periodontitis treatment significantly reduces levels of A1C. These links between oral and systemic health may start even before clinical diabetes begins. “We have found evidence that the severity of periodontal disease is associated with higher levels of insulin resistance, often a precursor of type 2 diabetes, as well as with higher levels of A1C, a measure of poor glycemic control of diabetes,” she said. The importance of these findings were emphasized by her colleague, George W. Taylor, DrPH, DMD, Associate Professor of Dentistry, Schools of Dentistry and Public Health, University of Michigan. “Several recent studies have shown that having periodontal disease makes those with type 2 diabetes more likely to develop worsened glycemic contr Continue reading >>
