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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