Diabetes and Gum infections

What is gum infection?
Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults and is frequently linked to diabetes.

The lethal connection
Is there a connection between diabetes and gum infection? Studies show that people with insufficient blood sugar control seem to develop gum infection more frequently and more severely then people who have better control over their blood sugar levels. Or in other words, basically, if your control over your blood sugar is poor, you are at a higher risk for gum disease. In fact, you may even be more at risk for losing your teeth from the disease. However, if you have diabetes but have strong control over your blood sugar, you may be in significantly better shape than someone who does not have strong control over this area. Another diabetic complication is thicker blood vessels. This is another complication which can make you more at risk for getting periodontal disease. Basically, thicker blood vessels make it more difficult for nutrients to flow in and harmful waste products to flow out. The direct result of this is the reduced ability of the gum tissue surrounding your teeth to fight off infection.

We all know that bacteria love sugar - especially glucose. Therefore, high glucose levels in saliva promote growth of bacteria that cause gum disease. People with diabetes who smoke are far more likely to develop gum disease than people who smoke and do not have diabetes. Poor oral hygiene is a major factor in gum disease for everyone, but it is even more so for a person with diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of gum infection

• Red and swollen gums
• Gums that tend to bleed easily
• Gums separating from the teeth
• Loose teeth
• Frequent bad breath
• Change in the way your teeth fit together
• Change in the way partials or dentures fit

Prevention of gum infection

• Maintain good control over your blood sugar levels.
• Do not smoke.
• Good oral hygiene and regular dental check ups are essential in preventing gum disease.
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.
• Be sure to tell your dentist and hygienist that you have diabetes so that he can detect any signs of early gum disease.

The outcome of neglect
There are two major stages of periodontal disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. People with diabetes tend to develop gum disease more frequently than others. However, if it is diagnosed in the early stage (gingivitis), it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage (periodontitis) may follow which includes bone loss and is irreversible.

Diabetes and other oral problems
Diabetes can also cause other oral problems, including:
Thrush
Thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth, occurs more often in persons with diabetes because of high sugar levels in the saliva, as fungus thrives on glucose.

Dry mouth
Often a symptom of undetected diabetes, dry mouth means the mouth does not have enough saliva to keep itself wet. Saliva is necessary to help digest food, and prevent infection and tooth decay by controlling bacteria and fungi. Dry mouth can make tasting, chewing, and swallowing food difficult, and can impede speech. In addition, dry mouth can cause mouth infections and tooth decay.
Although each individual may experience symptoms differently, symptoms of dry mouth may include:

• sticky, dry mouth
• dry lips
• sense of burning in the mouth
• tough tongue
• mouth sores or infection

Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. Treatment for dry mouth depends on the cause of the condition. Dry mouth can be caused by medication, disease, cancer treatment, and nerve damage. Some tips to prevent dry mouth symptoms include:

• Take frequent sips of water or sugarless fluids.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Drink fluids during meals.
• Avoid spicy or salty foods.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
• Use a humidifier at night.
• Chew sugarless gum or sugarless candy.