How Good Oral Health Can Help Diabetes Patients

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that one quarter of people in the U.S. who are 65 years or older live with diabetes, making the condition a very real and significant health risk for those of that age group. Per the CDC’s data, diabetes lead to 54,161 fatalities in 2014 among adults who were over the age of 65. Luckily, this condition can be discovered and dealt with early by testing blood sugar. The sooner a person knows if he or she has or has a risk of developing diabetes, the sooner that person can make changes and begin to control it, therefore improving his or her long-term health outlook.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

For those who have both gum disease and type 2 diabetes, there is good news—consistent dental treatment can possibly lower their blood glucose levels. Regarding the connection between these two conditions, periodontal or gum disease infects the bone and gums holding the teeth in place while diabetes decreases the body's ability to resist infection, with the gums being amongst the tissues that are likely to become affected. During the initial stages of gum disease, the gums may become swollen, red, and may easily bleed, but it’s during these stages that gum disease is most reversible.

New Research

There has been research recently that evaluated past studies regarding patients 16 years or older who had gum disease and either juvenile onset (type 1) diabetes or adult onset (type 2) diabetes. The review team, led by Dr. Terry Simpson with Scotland’s Edinburgh Dental Institute, found treating gum disease may have minor but positive implications for type 2 diabetes patients. The review didn’t provide enough proof to support positive implications for type 1 diabetes patients, however.

According to Simpson, "It would be wise to advise these patients of the relationship between treating periodontal disease and the possibility of lowering their blood sugar levels. Additionally, an oral health assessment should be recommended as part of their routine diabetes management." Furthermore, Simpson advised that further studies are required to fully examine treatment of periodontal disease and the outcomes.

The Link Between Gum Disease and Diabetes

Per the ADA, gum disease and diabetes control are often linked. For instance, patients without proper control of blood sugar seem to develop gum disease more frequently and severely. They also tend to suffer more tooth loss compared to diabetes patients who are in control. This is why good blood sugar maintenance, a balanced diet, solid home oral care, and consistent dental examinations are crucial. Most notably, controlling one’s blood glucose could be a possibly life-saving practice since high levels carry a greater risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and other medical concerns.

"The presence of bacteria and inflamed tissue is thought to produce chemical changes, which affect the action of insulin and in turn raises the circulating levels of sugar in the bloodstream,” Simpson said. “By resolving this with periodontal treatment, the patient might experience a lower blood sugar level over a period of time."

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