High blood sugar can ruin your life and your teeth. The link between diabetes and oral health problems is high blood sugar. If blood sugar is poorly controlled, oral health problems are more likely to develop. This is because uncontrolled diabetes weakens white blood cells, which are the body’s main defense against bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth.
What Is Diabetes?
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.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
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.
The Connection
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 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 is evidence of the body’s immune system at work. Attempting to fight disease, repair its effects, and prevent it from spreading. Chronic or prolonged inflammation, however, can lead to serious problems in different parts of the body and a decline in overall health.
A Two-Way Street
While diabetes can’t be cured, it’s possible to manage the disease on a long-term basis. And here’s some good news: Clinical studies show that diabetics who get effective treatment for their periodontal disease also receive some significant benefits in their general health. Many exhibit better blood glucose control and improved metabolic functioning after periodontal treatment. High blood sugar can ruin your life and your teeth.
When you visit your dental office, be sure to let your dentist know if you’re being treated for, or are at risk of developing diabetes. And if you are managing the disease, remember that it’s more important than ever to maintain good oral health.
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