Gum Disease Signals Diabetes Risk
It’s long been known that oral health is an important indicator for the body’s overall health. Now new research suggests gum disease may predict whether you develop diabetes. The finding, published in the July issue of Diabetes Care, is the latest report to link poor gum health with a variety of other serious health worries. Last year, Harvard researchers found a surprising link between poor gum health and pancreatic cancer. Other studies have linked periodontal health to heart disease, stroke and pregnancy problems. Among the estimated 35 percent of adults who have some form of gum disease, about one in three has a worrisome level of infection. Gum disease is linked with tobacco use but medication side effects, such as dry mouth, can also contribute to oral health problems. Genetics also play a role. Although people with diabetes are known to be at risk for gum disease, it hasn’t been clear which comes first. Researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health studied a representative sample of 9,000 people who didn’t have diabetes, although 817 of them went on to develop the disease. The researchers found that individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic within 20 years, even after adjusting for age, smoking, obesity and diet. “These data add a new twist to the association and suggest that periodontal disease may be there before diabetes,” said Ryan T. Demmer, associate research scientist in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health and lead author. “We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease.” Continue reading >>
Living With Diabetes: Teeth And Gum Problems
Archive for November, 2017 Diabetes can lead to a whole host of health problems, but did you know that it can also put you at risk for dental issues? The implications of high blood sugar extend to every part of the body — including teeth and gums. When it comes to diabetes, teeth and gum problems are something you […] Continue reading >>
Uncontrolled Diabetes Can Trigger Gum Disease
Diabetes that is not properly controlled can lead to periodontal diseases. That’s why it is even more important for people who have diabetes to take care of their health and their teeth and gums. Periodontal Disease Defined Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bone that support the teeth.1, 3 If diabetes is not controlled, high blood glucose levels encourage the growth of bacteria in the mouth.1, 4 These bacteria can cause infection, and because diabetes weakens the body’s resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected.1 People who have uncontrolled diabetes may develop periodontal diseases more often and more severely than those with controlled diabetes.1 They may be more likely to lose more teeth as a result, too.1 Smoking is also a factor.1, 2, 4 While tobacco products are harmful to oral health even for people without diabetes, a person with diabetes who smokes is at much greater risk for gum disease than a person who does not have diabetes.4 Warning Signs and Treatment You can have periodontal disease and not have all the warning signs.2 If you have diabetes and notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to consult your dental health professional as soon as possible:1, 4 red, swollen, tender gums2,4 gums that bleed easily2, 4 receding gums2, 4 loose or separating teeth2, 4 sensitive teeth4 persistent bad breath2, 4 a change in the way dentures fit2, 4 a change in the way the teeth fit together when you bite4 There are two stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.2 Gingivitis is the milder and reversible form of the disease.2, 3 It affects only the gums.2 If not properly addressed, gingivitis can lead to the more severe stage, periodontitis.2 This form of gum disease can damage the gums Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Oral Health
Resize font A- A A+ Diabetes and Oral Health During the past 10 years, much research has been undertaken on the link between diabetes and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the sixth leading complication of diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop periodontal disease, with a higher rate of more severe levels of bone loss and gum infection.1 What Is Diabetes? Diabetes is a serious disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches, and other foods into energy. Normally, insulin helps get sugar from the blood to the body's cells, where it is used for energy. When you have diabetes, your body has trouble making and/or using insulin, so your body does not get the fuel it needs and your blood sugar stays too high. High blood sugar sets off processes that can lead to complications, such as heart, kidney, and eye disease, or other serious problems.2,3 If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Are There Different Types of Diabetes? It is estimated that more than 20 million adults and children in the United States have some form of diabetes–14 million having been diagnosed with the disease and 6 million being unaware they have it. There are different types of the disease: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, as well as prediabetes. Most Americans (around 90%) who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.2,3 What Is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums, ligaments, and bone that support your teeth and hold them in the jaw. If left untreated, you may experience tooth loss. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial Continue reading >>
Periodontal Disease And Diabetes
It is well documented that people who suffer from diabetes are more susceptible to developing infections than non-diabetes sufferers. It is not widely known that t periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes; particularly when the diabetes is not under proper control. Periodontal disease (often called periodontitis and gum disease) is a progressive condition that often leads to tooth loss if treatment is not promptly sought. Periodontal disease begins with a bacterial infection in the gingival tissue which surrounds the teeth. As the bacteria colonize, the gum pockets become deeper, the gums recede as tissue is destroyed and the periodontitis eventually attacks the underlying bone tissue. Diabetes is characterized by too much glucose (or sugar) in the blood. Type II diabetics are unable to regulate insulin levels which means excess glucose stays in the blood. Type I diabetics do not produce any insulin at all. Diabetes is a serious condition which can lead to heart disease and stroke. Reasons for the Connection Experts suggest the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease can worsen both conditions if either condition is not properly controlled. Here are ways in which diabetes and periodontal disease are linked: Increased blood sugar – Moderate and severe periodontal disease elevates sugar levels in the body, increasing the amount of time the body has to function with high blood sugar. This is why diabetics with periodontitis have difficulty keeping control of their blood sugar. In addition, the higher sugar levels found in the mouth of diabetics provide food for the very bacteria that worsen periodontal infections. Blood vessel thickening – The thickening of the blood vessels is one of the other major concerns for diabetes Continue reading >>
How Does Diabetes Cause Problems With My Teeth And Gums?
People with diabetes are at an increased risk for gum disease. It is very important to visit your dental office at least twice a year (or more if recommended) for a dental exam and professional cleaning. You should also practice meticulous home care -- brushing twice daily and cleaning between your teeth once a day. One product that has been tested on people with diabetes and found to really help reduce bleeding and gingivitis is the Water Flosser. It has also been shown to be as effective as string dental floss. If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing some oral health problems. Because of lowered resistance and a longer healing process, gum disease appears to be more frequent and more severe among those with diabetes. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better. When you have poorly managed blood glucose levels, it can increase the risk of problems with your teeth and gums. Also, a dry mouth is more common in diabetics and can increase the risk of tooth decay. Gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontitis (severe gum disease) can happen to anyone, but having diabetes increases the risk of these oral health problems. High blood sugar worsens dental problems with diabetes. If you smoke and have diabetes, you may develop a more serious form of gum disease. If you have diabetes, see your dentist for a thorough evaluation and then follow up daily with brushing, flossing and excellent oral home care. Continue Learning about Diabetes and Oral Health Videos Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treat Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Tooth And Gum Problems That May Arise In Diabetic Patients
What is Diabetes? The textbook definition of diabetes is that it is a metabolic disease that impacts the body’s ability to produce insulin which can cause elevated levels of glucose in the blood. Typically, diabetics must maintain a well-balanced diet that limits sugar and starch intake. Does it have an impact on your teeth? You bet. Too much glucose (also referred to as sugar) in your blood can cause pain, infection and other problems in your mouth, gums or jaw. Since glucose is also present in your saliva, too much can cause exponential growth of harmful bacteria. This in turn can cause an increased production of plaque which can lead to serious dental issues if your condition is not evaluated by a dentist. Uncontrolled diabetes can also increase your risk for developing gum disease, and also impairs wound healing. The most common dental issues of diabetic patients include: Gingivitis Periodontitis Thrush Dry mouth Oral burning It is important that you disclose your medical history with your dentist, especially if you suffer from diabetes, as this may even impact how you will respond to certain types of dental treatment. Additionally, if you take insulin or other diabetic medications, let us know as well. Call your dentist in Pasadena today if you would like to schedule a consultation with our office to discuss treatment options or questions you may have regarding oral health and diabetes. Back to Articles Continue reading >>
Understanding Diabetes Gum Problems
Approximately 29 million Americans struggle with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and of this population, one in four is unaware of the condition. Another one third of Americans have blood sugar levels that qualify them as prediabetic – blood sugar that is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diabetic. Due to the prevalence of this condition, it is critical to know how it can affect your body, and what to do when you detect these side effects – including diabetes gum problems. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is an illness that increases the risk for various health complications such as skin disorders, blindness, nerve damage, heart disease, kidney disease and gum disease. The condition denotes the body's inability to produce or process insulin on its own, and therefore blood sugar is harder to control. Some types of diabetes are preventable, so taking care of yourself is an important part of reducing your risk. Colgate® Total has joined an initiative with the American Diabetes Association to educate consumers and oral health care providers on the link between gum disease and diabetes. Topics include free health screenings, cooking demonstrations, information and resources about diabetes management and prevention. Colgate and the ADA are increasing awareness of diabetes and the importance of oral care as it relates to the management of diabetes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. How Does it Relate to Gum Disease? Research suggests the relationship between diabetes and gum disease is a two-way street. Gums that are red, bleed easily or even recede from the teeth are all common symptoms of gum disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are more likely to contract gum disease because o Continue reading >>
Living With Diabetes Teeth And Gum Problems To Be Aware Of
Comments Off on Living with Diabetes Teeth and Gum Problems to be Aware of One of the most common sedentary lifestyle diseases affecting very many Americans today is diabetes. When discussing the side effects of diabetes, a lot people often concentrate on the sugar related implications and oversee a very important problem associated with diabetes- dental disease. Unknown to many, diabetes puts patients at a very high risk of getting dental problems. The sugar related problems extend every part of the body and teeth are not an exception. If you are suffering from diabetes therefore, you should be weary of teeth and gum problems. Here are some of the most common teeth and gum problems associated with diabetes and how you can stay clear of the said problems; Gum diseases One of the most common problems associated with diabetes is the gum disease. Gum disease takes two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is less serious, but can develop into periodontitis if left untreated for a very long period of time. In addition to cutting off blood to the gums, diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, putting the gums at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation caused by the bacteria in the form of plaque. The main symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is important to contact your dentist as soon as these symptoms develop so the problem can be addressed. Untreated gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which affects the tissue and bones that support your teeth. Periodontal disease is a more serious infection and healing will take a lot of time.Periodontal disease is characterized with redness of the gums, soreness of the gum area and sometimes bad breath. If the complication is not addressed on time it eventu Continue reading >>
Prevent Diabetes Problems, Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy
What are diabetes problems?Too much glucose in the blood for a long time causes diabetes problems. This high blood glucose can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. Diabetes problems can be scary, but there is a lot you can do to prevent them or slow them down. Use this page to learn about tooth and gum problems caused by diabetes. You will learn the things you can do each day and during each year to stay healthy and prevent diabetes problems. Back to Back to Top What should I do each day to stay healthy with diabetes? Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietitian have worked out. Eat your meals and snacks at around the same times each day. Check your blood glucose every day. Each time you check your blood glucose, write the number in your record book. Call your doctor if your numbers are too high or too low for 2 to 3 days. Back to Top How can diabetes hurt my teeth and gums? Tooth and gum problems can happen to anyone. A sticky film full of germs (also called plaque [PLAK]) builds up on your teeth. High blood glucose helps germs (bacteria) grow. Then you can get red, sore and swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. People with diabetes can have tooth and gum problems more often if their blood glucose stays high. High blood glucose can make tooth and gum problems worse. You can even lose your teeth. Smoking makes it more likely for you to get a bad case of gum disease, especially if you have diabetes and are age 45 or older. Red, sore and bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease. This can lead to periodontitis (PER-ee-oh-don-TY-tis). Periodontitis is an infection in the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. If the infection gets worse, your gums may pull away from your teeth, mak Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Periodontal (gum) Disease
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. Because of blood vessel changes that happen with diabetes, the efficiency of the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes from body tissues may become impaired. This impaired blood flow can weaken the gums and bone. This makes 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. Poor blood sugar control decreases the ability of the immune system to fight infections. On the other hand, uncontrolled periodontal disease may also make it more difficult to control the diabetes. 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. 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 signs and symptoms of periodontal disease? The following are the most common signs and symptoms of gum disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Signs and symptoms may include: Red, swollen, tender gums Bleeding while brushing and/or flossing Receding gums Loose or separating teeth Persistent bad breath Dentures that no longer fit Pus between the teeth and gums A change in bite and jaw alignment The signs and symptoms of gum disease may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Talk with a dentist or other oral health specialist for a diagnosis. What are the different types of Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Periodontal Disease
If you have diabetes, you know the disease can harm your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other important systems in the body. Did you know it can also cause problems in your mouth? People with diabetes have a higher than normal risk of periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place. In advanced stages, they lead to painful chewing problems and even tooth loss. Like any infection, gum disease can make it hard to keep your blood sugar under control. Diabetic Control. Like other complications of diabetes, gum disease is linked to diabetic control. People with poor blood sugar control get gum disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than do persons with good control. In fact, people whose diabetes is well controlled have no more periodontal disease than persons without diabetes. Children with IDDM (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) are also at risk for gum problems. Good diabetic control is the best protection against periodontal disease. Studies show that controlling blood sugar levels lowers the risk of some complications of diabetes, such as eye and heart disease and nerve damage. Scientists believe many complications, including gum disease, can be prevented with good diabetic control. Blood Vessel Changes. Thickening of blood vessels is a complication of diabetes that may increase risk for gum disease. Blood vessels deliver oxygen and nourishment to body tissues, including the mouth, and carry away the tissues' waste products. Diabetes causes blood vessels to thicken, which slows the flow of nutrients and the removal of harmful wastes. This can weaken the resistance of gum and bone tissue to infection. Bacteria. Many kinds of bacteria (germs) thrive on sugars, including glucose -- the Continue reading >>
Living With Diabetes: Teeth And Gum Problems To Be Aware Of
Diabetes can lead to a whole host of health problems, but did you know that it can also put you at risk for dental issues? The implications of high blood sugar extend to every part of the body — including teeth and gums. When it comes to diabetes, teeth and gum problems are something you need to be aware of. Diabetes: Teeth and Gum Problems to Look Out For Here are few of the ways diabetes can wreak havoc on your mouth, and how you can prevent this damage from occurring if you are one of the 21.9 million people in the U.S. who suffer from diabetes. Gum Disease Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums, which increases the risk for gum disease. This risk is amplified if you had poor dental health prior to being diagnosed with diabetes. Gum disease takes two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is less serious, but can develop into periodontitis if left untreated. In addition to cutting off blood to the gums, diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, putting the gums at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation caused by the bacteria in the form of plaque. The longer plaque remains on your teeth, the more it irritates the gingiva — the part of your gums around the base of your teeth. The main symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is important to contact your dentist as soon as these symptoms develop so the problem can be addressed. Untreated gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which affects the tissue and bones that support your teeth. In addition to red bleeding gums, other symptoms include bad breath that won’t go away and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth. This in turn caus Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Oral Health
Diabetes is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the body's ability to process sugar. If you have diabetes, it is particularly important to maintain excellent oral health. That's because diabetics are more prone to oral infections such as periodontal (gum) disease, which can result in tooth loss if left untreated. Conversely, the presence of gum disease can make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. Periodontal disease is a chronic ailment that is also associated with an elevated level of systemic (whole-body) inflammation. Like diabetes, it may have wide-ranging consequences outside the mouth — possibly increasing a person's chance of experiencing major cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke) or adverse pregnancy outcomes (low birth weight and pre-term delivery). So perhaps it's not surprising that a growing body of evidence suggests the two diseases are related. Two Diseases With Similarities It has long been recognized that having diabetes is a risk factor likely to increase the severity of periodontal disease. That's because diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, making diabetics more susceptible to both bacterial and fungal infections. Likewise, evidence shows that having serious gum disease (periodontitis) is likely to result in worsening blood glucose control in diabetics; it can also increase the risk of diabetic complications. So, what's the connection? While no one is sure at present, the two diseases seem to share some common pathways and disease-causing mechanisms. Both are associated with the process of inflammation and the immune response. Inflammation itself — often signaled by pain, heat and redness — is evidence of the body's immune system at work, attempting to fight d Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes And Oral Health
Diabetes affects your body’s ability to utilize glucose, or blood sugar, for energy. Diabetes can cause many complications. These include nerve damage, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and even blindness. Another common health complication is gum disease and other oral health problems. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are at higher risk for gingivitis, gum disease, and periodontitis (severe gum infection with bone destruction). Diabetes affects your ability to fight off bacteria that can cause gum infections. Gum disease can also affect the body’s blood sugar control. Diabetes is associated with increased risk for thrush, a type of fungal infection. Additionally, people with diabetes are likely to have a dry mouth. This has been associated with increased risk for mouth ulcers, soreness, cavities, and dental infections. What the research says A 2013 study published in the journal BMC Oral Health looked at 125 people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers measured factors including missing teeth, the incidence of periodontal disease, and the amount of reported dental bleeding. The study found that a combination of the longer people had diabetes, the higher their fasting blood glucose, and the higher their hemoglobin A1C (a measurement of a person’s average blood sugar over three months), the more likely they were to have periodontal disease and dental bleeding. Those who did not report careful self-management of their condition were more likely to have missing teeth than those who did work to control their blood sugar levels. Some people with diabetes are at greater risk for oral health problems than others. For example, people who don’t maintain tight control over their blood sugar levels are more likely to get gum disease. Al Continue reading >>
