Learn how poorly managed diabetes can contribute to tooth loss and other oral health complications. Anyone with diabetes knows the short-term consequences, but the disease can also have long-term effects if not adequately managed. Periodontal disease, a severe gum disease condition, is one of these problems. Periodontal disease, commonly known as Periodontitis, affects around 22% of the 23 million people in the United States who have diabetes.

The link between diabetes and tooth loss is obvious, given that periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in people. Tooth loss affects a more significant number of people than you may think. In the United States, almost 120 million individuals miss at least one tooth, and 36 million miss all of their teeth. The good news is that both periodontal infection and tooth loss are easily avoidable.

What Causes Diabetes to Cause Periodontitis?

• High blood sugar that isn't controlled can make it harder for people with diabetes to fight infections anyplace in the body, including in the mouth. Furthermore, high blood glucose levels might cause a rise in germs in the mouth. These bacteria can combine with food and other debris in your mouth to produce Plaque if you don't brush and floss regularly.

• Plaque is relatively simple to remove, but when it piles up, it hardens into tartar, which lodges in the gum line and causes infections and red, swollen gums, which are early indicators of gum disease. If left untreated, these symptoms can progress to Periodontitis, leading to more severe gum issues and infections.

• Periodontitis increases when diabetes makes it more difficult to fight infections, leading to tooth loss and, in some instances, more significant health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

Periodontal disease may affect everyone, and excellent dental hygiene is the first line of defense in avoiding gum disease. Maintaining good blood sugar levels is critical for persons with diabetes to prevent periodontal disease and other oral health problems.

Conclusion

If you have diabetes, inform your Emergency Dentist, continue to check your blood sugar levels, and take your diabetic medication precisely as prescribed. Call your dentist immediately away if you see any indications of gum disease, such as red, swollen, or painful gums. Although diabetes and tooth loss are linked, good dental care may keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.