Gum Disease Bleeding Gums could be a Sign of Diabetes

Facts

Gum disease affects many people, but could it be an indicator that you are at a higher risk of becoming diabetic? Oral health plays an important role in showing the overall health of the body. It is known that people with diabetes are at higher risk for diseases of the gums. Research has found that people with elevated periodontal disease were almost twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest that it was there before the diabetes was.

The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth”. Periodontal diseases are serious infections of the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place and if not properly treated can lead to tooth loss in both young and old people.

Diabetes Role

1) In people with diabetes the blood vessels change and become thickened this can impair the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes from the body tissue. This restricted blood flow can weaken the gums and bones opening them up to infection.

2) If the blood glucose levels are poorly controlled the levels in the mouth fluids can encourage bacteria growth and cause gum problems.

3) Smoking is also harmful to oral health and people without diabetes. For a person with diabetes and who smokes they have a much greater risk for gingivitis, the first stage to periodontitis a severe stage.

Gum Disease Types

Gingivitis - The mildest form of gum disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is little to no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and reversible with a professional treatment and good brushing and flossing habits at home.

Periodontitis - Untreated gingivitis may advance into periodontitis. Over time, the plaque on the teeth can spread and grow below the gum line allowing toxins to produce bacteria in the plaque that will irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory reaction in which the body in a sense turns on itself breaking down the tissues and bones that support the teeth destroying them. This causes the gums to separate from the teeth forming spaces between the teeth and gums allowing infection to set in. Eventually all the teeth can become loose and have to be removed.

Forms of Periodontitis

Aggressive This form occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common feature is a rapid loss and bone destruction.

Chronic This form results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth with progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form that shown to be mostly in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually happens slowly but periods of rapid progression can occur.

Manifestation of systemic diseases This form often begins at a young age due to health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes.

Necrotizing This form is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are mostly observed in people with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

Symptoms

These are the most common, but each individual may experience them differently.

- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing and/or flossing
- Receding gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Dentures no longer fit
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- A change in bite and jaw alignment

These symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems, so consult a dentist or other oral health specialist for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment options will be determined by your dentist based on:

- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the disease
- Your tolerance for medications, procedures or therapies.
- Expectations for the course of the disease
- Your opinion and preference

Treatment may include any or a combination of these options:

- Plaque removal
- Medication
- Surgery
- Dental implants

Prevention

Proper care of your teeth and gums can help prevent the onset of gum disease and oral health problems.

Brushing

- Twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Use small circular motions and short back and forth motions (avoid pressing too hard)
- Brush the tongue frequently

Flossing

- It should be about 18 inches long with each use
- Use a “sawing” motion in between each tooth
- Curve it around each tooth and scrape up and down several times, starting below the gum up to the top of the tooth
- Rinse after flossing

Return to top of Gum Disease/ Diabetes Complications/ Alzheimer's Disease/ Cancer/ Diabetes Neuropathy/ Diabetic Ketoacidosis/ Eye Diseases /Gum Disease/ Heart Disease/ Hyperglycemia/ Hypoglycemia/ Kidney Disease/