Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

It is well documented that people who suffer from diabetes are more susceptible to developing infections than non-diabetes sufferers.  It is not widely known that periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes, particularly when the diabetes is not under proper control.

Periodontal disease (often called periodontitis and gum disease) is a progressive condition that often leads to tooth loss if treatment is not promptly sought.  Periodontal disease begins with a bacterial infection in the gingival tissue which surrounds the teeth.  As the bacteria colonize, the gum pockets become deeper, the gums recede as tissue is destroyed and the periodontitis eventually attacks the underlying bone tissue.

Diabetes is characterized by too much glucose (or sugar) in the blood.  Type II diabetics are unable to regulate insulin levels which means excess glucose stays in the blood.  Type I diabetics do not produce any insulin at all.  Diabetes is a serious condition which can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Reasons for the Connection

Experts suggest the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease can worsen both conditions if either condition is not properly controlled.

Here are ways in which diabetes and periodontal disease are linked:

  • Increased blood sugar – Moderate and severe periodontal disease elevates sugar levels in the body, increasing the amount of time the body has to function with high blood sugar.  This is why diabetics with periodontitis have difficulty keeping control of their blood sugar.  In addition, the higher sugar levels found in the mouth of diabetics provide food for the very bacteria that worsen periodontal infections.

  • Blood vessel thickening – The thickening of the blood vessels is one of the other major concerns for diabetes sufferers.  The blood vessels normally serve a vital function for tissues by delivering nutrients and removing waste products.  With diabetes, the blood vessels become too thick for these exchanges to occur.  This means that harmful waste is left in the mouth and can weaken the resistance of gum tissue, which can lead to infection and gum disease.

  • Smoking – Tobacco use does a great deal of damage in the oral region.  Not only does tobacco use slow the healing process, it also vastly increases the chances of an individual developing periodontal disease.  For diabetics who smoke, the risk is exponentially greater.  In fact, diabetic smokers aged 45 and over are twenty times more likely to develop periodontal disease.

  • Poor oral hygiene – It is essential for diabetics to maintain excellent levels of oral health.  When daily brushing and flossing does not occur, the harmful oral bacteria can ingest the excess sugar between the teeth and colonize more freely below the gum line.  This exacerbates the metabolic problems that diabetes sufferers experience.

Diagnosis and Treatment

It is of paramount importance for people suffering from any type of diabetes to see the dentist at least twice yearly for checkups and professional cleanings.  Studies have shown that simple non-surgical periodontal treatments can lower the HbA1c (hemoglobin molecule blood test) count by as much as 20% in a six month period.

The dentist will use medical history, family history and dental X-rays to assess the risk factors for periodontal disease and determine the exact condition of the gums, teeth and underlying jawbone.  If necessary the dentist will work in conjunction with other doctors to ensure that both the diabetes and the gum disease are being managed and controlled as effectively as possible.

Non-surgical procedures performed by the dentist and dental hygienist include deep scaling, where calculus (tartar) will be removed from the teeth above and below the gumline, and root planing, where the root of the tooth is smoothed down to eliminate any remaining bacteria.  Antibiotics may be applied to the gum pockets to promote healing.

Before and after periodontal treatment, the dentist and hygienist will recommend proper home care and oral maintenance as well as prescribing prescription mouthwashes which serve to deter further bacteria colonization.

If you have questions or concerns about diabetes or periodontal disease, please contact our office.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

It had been almost 10 years since I my last visit to the dentist. I am one of those with "dental phobia", but thanks to Dr. Pardo and her employees I have overcome my fear!

The office is always clean, bright, and welcoming. Nelcy, is usually who you first encounter and she always makes you feel welcomed. Dr. Pardo and her employees have always made me feel comfortable while in the dental chair. They also offer you Bluetooth headphones when getting a procedure done!

I highly recommend Dr. Pardo's office when looking for a new dentist in the Glendora area.

Brynne V.

My wife and I have been having this debate on dentists for a number of years. When she moved to my town, she started seeing my dentist. And she would always tell me 'your dentist sucks, I've had better!' I would argue that I've been going to my dentist for years - through college and now as an adult and I thought my dentist was just fine. But I really had no other dentist, so I didn't know any better. Reluctantly, my wife decided to just stay with my dentist, because they were nearby and we only saw them twice a year for cleanings anyway. But then we moved and had kids and my wife said since we are now using her insurance, she gets to pick the dentist. I begrudgingly agreed. Let me just say, she was right (pause for wife's 'I-told-you-so-look'). I am so glad we changed!

Looking back, my old dentist wasn't as personable and as gentle as Dr. Pardo and her hygienists. For a long time, I just thought all the discomfort I went through was just a part of regular dentistry. I was so wrong. I was never asked so many times how I was doing or if I was feeling any discomfort. My old dentist and her hygienist often leaned on my shoulder or face during cleanings. And when they flossed me, they would cause my gums to bleed. I never really gave it much thought until it stopped happening. Dr. Pardo and her hygienist were very conscious about patient comfort and care. And after years with my old dentist, it was very refreshing. Dr. Pardo is also very knowledgeable in her practice- often giving tips, suggestions and great advice when it came to our oral care. She is also great with our kids. She is very patient and understanding and puts them at ease at every appointment, but will still go after them when it comes to brushing and flossing. I highly recommend Pardo Dentistry if you're looking for a dentist. You will not be disappointed!

Alvin D.

This was my first visit with my new dentist. I was very impressed with the office and staff.

The office is well kept and clean. I felt very relaxed in there. The dental equipment looked to be modern and well cared for. The music over the overhead speakers was relaxing and contemporary.

The office staff and dental assistants are personable and professional. They were friendly and easy to talk with.

Doctor Pardo is youthful and energetic. She seems to enjoy her profession. She listens well and provides easy to understand descriptions of her observations and thoughts. She's also open and eager to answering questions.

Even more important, she seems to have a steady hand and cool demeanor. Can't wait to experience her skills with a hypodermic needle. WAIT!! I can wait.

Chris C.

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Contact Us. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.