Diabetes And Gum Health
It is well
documented that people with diabetes have problems
controlling minor infections, including
mouth infections such as gum disease and ulcers.
While everybody should take special care to remove
plaque bacteria from around, and particularly in
between their teeth and gum margins, those who
have diabetes need to take extra care to make sure
that bacteria don’t settle and cause infections
of their gums. However it has also been shown that
severe gum disease commonly occurs in those with
poorly managed diabetes.
Researchers are currently investigating how diabetes
could increase the risk of gum disease. It has
been thought that the increased susceptibility
in people with diabetes is due to their poor tolerance
of glucose, which affects the way the body responds
to infections. However, there is increasing evidence
that high levels of cholesterol and other circulating
fatty substances in the blood may be a significant
risk factor.
It is therefore essential that people with diabetes
look after their teeth and gums extremely well
to prevent any infection developing. But more importantly,
any signs of gum disease should be checked immediately
and dealt with. Symptoms and Causes (Link to pages).
If you see any signs of gum disease you should
see your dentist or hygienist. However if you and
your dentist are unable to bring the problem under
control, you should consider seeing a periodontist
(a dentist who specialises in treating gum disease).
Further Reading
1. Taylor GW, Manz MC, Borgnakke WS
Compend Contin Educ.Dent 2004 Mar;25 (3)179-84
2. Golla K, Epstein JB, Rada RE, Sanai R, Messieha
Z, Cabay RJ
Gen Dent 2004 Nov ;52 (6);529-35
3. Saremi A, Nelson RG, Tulloch-Reid M, Hanson
RL, Sievers ML, Taylor GW, Shlossman M, Bennett
PH, Genco R, Knowler WC
Diabetes Care. 2005 Jan;28(1);27-32
4. Seidel-Bittke D
DENT TODAY.2004 dEC;23 (12);50,52-3
5. Negishi J, Kawanami M, Terada Y, Matsuhashi
C, Ogami E, Iwasaka K,Hongo T
J Int Acad Periodontal 2004 Oct;6(4);120-4
