Diabetes and Periodontal Health

1. Diabetes and Periodontal Health If you have diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease. How diabetes contributes to periodontal disease Diabetes contributes to periodontal disease in several ways. It can: Lower your body's ability to fight infection Slow healing Cause dry mouth Often result in high blood sugar levels Your blood vessels bring oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, including your mouth, and remove wastes. Diabetes causes the blood vessels to thicken and become less elastic, making you less resistant to infections, like periodontal disease. Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways — periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar level. This puts people with diabetes at an increased risk for diabetic complications. Diabetics often experience a decrease in the flow of saliva. This can lead to a condition called dry mouth, or xerostomia. A lack of saliva allows plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria, to build up easily on teeth. This accumulation of plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, which can result in bone loss. Managing diabetes Having poorly controlled diabetes also means that there is often an excess level of glucose in the blood and saliva. If you do have diabetes, then work to

2. keep your blood glucose levels under control. Things like regular exercise, healthy eating, and healthy lifestyle habits can help to manage this disease. Also, talk to your dental professional about your health and any medications that you may be taking. While these two conditions may make each other more difficult to control, there is still a lot that you can do to prevent and manage both diabetes and gum disease. We will work with your physician to monitor your diabetes and keep you in good health. You have to do your part by maintaining a meticulous oral homecare routine and preventative recare appointments. By working together, we can help keep your body and mouth healthy.