Managing Diabetes and Gum Health: Integrated Care at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, MI
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. So perhaps it’s not surprising that a growing body of evidence suggests the two diseases are related. Schaefer Dental Group emphasizes proactive oral care for diabetic patients in Lansing, Michigan.
Two Diseases With A Lot In Common
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. While no one is sure at present, the two diseases seem to share some common pathways and disease-causing mechanisms related to inflammation and the immune response.
What does this mean to you? According to one large study, if you’re diabetic, your risk of dying from heart attack is over twice as great if you also have severe periodontitis—and for kidney disease, your risk is 8.5 times higher! Plus, uncontrolled periodontal disease makes it six times more likely that your ability to control blood sugar levels will get worse over time. Having both conditions can cause a significant deterioration in your overall health.
A Two-Way Street: The Benefits of Periodontal Treatment
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.
What kinds of treatments might be needed? While much depends on the individual situation, some typical procedures might include:
- Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning that removes plaque bacteria from teeth, both above and below the gum line.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Used to target specific persistent infections.
- Oral Hygiene Self-Care Instruction: Guidance on how to maintain excellent oral health at home.
Reducing Your Risk Factors for Diabetes
Likewise, if you’re at risk for diabetes but haven’t yet developed the disease, there are some things you can do to forestall it. While there is a significant genetic component, a major risk factor for diabetes is being overweight—so keeping your weight under control will better your chances of avoiding it. Other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or low HDL cholesterol, can often be improved through lifestyle changes like moderate exercise and eating healthier foods.
When you come to Schaefer Dental Group, be sure to let us 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.