It is commonly known that people with diabetes are more susceptible to infections than people without the disease. Not many people are aware that periodontal disease is frequently regarded as the sixth complication of diabetes, especially when the disease is not well controlled. 

If treatment is not promptly sought, periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis and gum disease, progresses and frequently results in tooth loss. A bacterial infection in the gingival tissue that covers the teeth signals the start of periodontal disease. Gum pockets deepen as the bacteria multiply, the gums recede as tissue is damaged, and periodontitis eventually spreads to the bone structure beneath the gums.

Too much glucose (or sugar) in the blood is a sign of diabetes. Because type II diabetics are unable to control their insulin levels, extra glucose remains in the blood. Patients with type I diabetes do not make any insulin at all. Diabetes is a dangerous disease that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. 

 

Reasons for the connection 

According to experts, if either illness is not well handled, the connection between diabetes and periodontal disease may make both conditions worse.

The following are some ways that diabetes and periodontal disease are related:

• Blood sugar levels rise as a result of moderate to severe periodontal disease, extending the time that the body must function with high blood sugar levels. Because of this, diabetics with periodontitis struggle to maintain blood sugar control. Additionally, the elevated sugar levels in diabetics' mouths serve as nourishment for the bacteria that exacerbate periodontal infections.

 

• Blood vessel thickening: One of the other main issues for diabetics is the thickening of the blood vessels. Delivering nutrition and eliminating waste materials from the tissues is a natural function of the blood vessels. Diabetes causes the blood vessels to thicken to the point where these exchanges cannot take place. This implies that toxic waste is left in the mouth, which can erode the gum tissue's defences and increase the risk of infection and gum disease.

 

• Smoking: Smoking causes a tremendous deal of harm to the mouth. In addition to delaying the healing process, smoking greatly increases the risk of acquiring periodontal disease. The risk is ten times higher for diabetic smokers. In actuality, smokers with diabetes who smoke and are over 45 have a 20-fold increased risk of developing periodontal disease. 

 

• Poor oral hygiene: Having bad dental hygiene It's crucial for diabetics to keep their oral health at a high level. Lack of daily brushing and flossing allows hazardous oral germs to more easily colonise below the gum line and consume extra sugar between teeth. This worsens the metabolic issues that people with diabetes face. 

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

It is crucial for people with diabetes of any kind to visit the dentist at least twice a year for examinations and expert cleanings. Simple non-surgical periodontal therapies have been observed to reduce the HbA1c (haemoglobin molecule blood test) count by as much as 20% over the course of six months, according to studies.

In order to examine the risk factors for periodontal disease and ascertain the precise state of the gums, teeth, and underlying jawbone, the dentist will use the patient's medical history, family history, and dental X-rays. If necessary, the dentist will collaborate with additional medical professionals to ensure that gum disease and diabetes are managed and controlled as efficiently as possible.

Deep scaling, in which calculus (tartar) is removed from the teeth above and below the gumline, and root planing, in which the tooth root is smoothed down to remove any lingering bacteria, are examples of non-surgical procedures carried out by the dentist and dental hygienist. To speed up recovery, antibiotics may be administered to the gum pockets.

The dentist and hygienist will advise appropriate oral maintenance and home care and after periodontal therapy, in addition to prescribing prescription mouthwashes that prevent the spread of bacteria.