November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Our board-certified periodontists and hygienists want to remind patients of the link between diabetes, one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and severe gum disease, called periodontitis.

It’s a Two-Way Street

 Individuals who have diabetes are statistically at higher risk of also having severe gum disease. And individuals with diabetes who can’t control their blood sugar are at higher risk of having gum disease, since higher blood sugar levels in the saliva can assist in bacteria growth. The American Dental Association calls this a bidirectional relationship.

Smokers: Please Take Special Note

If you have both diabetes and smoke, you’re at a greater risk of having gum disease than individuals who don’t smoke. Some authorities, like the Cleveland Clinic, say that individuals with diabetes who smoke are a whopping 20x more likely to develop severe gum disease than non-smokers! Smoking also restricts blood flow to your gums, which can negatively affect wound healing in the mouth.

Many organizations, like the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, want to stress to individuals with diabetes that controlling their blood glucose levels may not only control their diabetes but also help prevent gum disease, or at least help prevent the severity of gum disease. Millions of individuals may have type 2 diabetes and have not even been diagnosed.

Our suggestion: If you have some of the following symptoms, you should see your medical providers for a blood test.

• Breath that smells sweet or fruity
• Wounds that don’t seem to heal quickly
• Fatigue
• Excess thirst, hunger or nausea
• Frequent urination
• Tingling in the hands or feet

Learn more about the link between diabetes and gum disease here, and make sure you keep up with your professional dental visits with your team at Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics to help you control both your diabetes, your oral and overall health.

If you haven’t been diagnosed, but are experiencing chewing difficulties, tooth sensitivity, bleeding when brushing or flossing, swollen gums or bad breath, you could have gum disease and should address it. Referrals are always welcomed but are not required.