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Like heart disease, gum disease is also intricately linked to diabetes. Diabetics are at a high risk for periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. This risk of oral infections is often considered to be the sixth complication of diabetes. Of special risk are diabetics who do not have their condition under control.

“Gum infection can have a direct impact on the blood sugar level in people with diabetes,” says Dr. Dennis Ikuta, a Reedley, California cosmetic dentist. “It’s important for diabetics to keep an eye on their dental and gum health.”

Awareness is Key

If you’re diabetic, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your dentist, and to make sure your dentist is aware of your condition. Gum disease can be controlled, but early detection is very important. Treatment for gum disease can involve prescription medication and deep, intensive cleanings.

The correlation between gum disease and diabetes is a two-way street. Severe periodontal conditions can lead to increased blood sugar, which is especially dangerous for diabetics. Additionally, when diabetics fail to properly control their diabetes, it can lead to an increase in the potential to develop gum disease.

Conversely, by treating one of the conditions, the other improves as well. With proper management of the diabetic condition, the risk of developing gum disease lessens. And when the periodontal disease is treated, the diabetes becomes more manageable.

Treatment is Easy

If you’re diabetic, you should work with your doctor to manage your diabetes. This includes regular check-ups with your dentist, too, to help stay on top of any potential periodontal disease.

With consistent cleanings and proper blood sugar management, your health can be vastly improved. Just as diabetes and gum disease are linked in a negative way, they are also linked in a positive way. By treating one, you’ll end up treating the other, too.

See A Dentist

A qualified cosmetic dentist can help you manage your dental health, especially if you have diabetes. Be sure and notify any dentist if you’re diabetic. He or she will help you set up a lifelong treatment plan! Don’t be afraid – both diabetes and periodontal disease are both eminently manageable. Improve your health, improve your teeth and improve your life!