Reviewed by Dan Thousand, DDS, MSD
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Reading time: three minutes
Diabetes and gum disease have a two-way relationship. High blood sugar can make it harder for the body to control infection and heal, increasing the risk that gum disease will develop or progress. In turn, inflammation from gum disease may make blood sugar more difficult to manage. Regular periodontal care can help control infection and protect both your oral and overall health. Both are diseases of inflammation so they can affect or play off of one another.
With two convenient locations in Aurora and Centennial, Periodontal Associates provides comprehensive periodontal and implant care to patients throughout the Denver metro area.
How Does Diabetes Increase the Risk of Gum Disease?
Plaque bacteria irritate the gums in everyone, but diabetes can make the body’s inflammatory response more intense. This can lead to increased redness, swelling and bleeding around the teeth.
If the inflammation continues, gum disease may progress more quickly and become harder to control, particularly when blood sugar remains elevated. Over time, the infection can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
Recognizing Changes in Your Gum Health
Gum disease does not always cause obvious discomfort in its early stages. For people with diabetes, even subtle changes should be checked before the infection has a chance to progress.
Signs of gum disease may include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Changes in the way the teeth fit together
- Slower healing after dental treatment
These symptoms can have several causes, but they should be evaluated. A periodontal exam can determine whether gum disease is present and whether treatment is needed.
Coordinating Diabetes and Periodontal Care
Your periodontist needs an accurate picture of how your diabetes is being managed, including your current medications and any recent changes in blood sugar control. This information can affect treatment planning, healing and the timing of certain procedures.
When diabetes is difficult to control or periodontal infection is present, your periodontist may communicate with your medical provider before treatment. Coordinated care allows both teams to consider how your oral health and diabetes may affect one another and plan treatment accordingly.
Periodontal Care for Patients With Diabetes
At Periodontal Associates, Dr. Heller, Dr. Beckman, Dr. Thousand and Dr. Brett consider your diabetes management as part of your periodontal evaluation and treatment planning. They assess the health of your gums, measure the spaces around your teeth and use digital imaging when needed to check the supporting bone.
If gum disease is present, treatment is tailored to its severity and your overall health. This may include scaling and root planing, antimicrobial care or laser periodontal therapy. Your periodontist will also consider your blood sugar control, healing response and any input from your medical provider when planning care.
Ongoing periodontal maintenance is often an important part of treatment. These visits help control bacteria, monitor the gums for recurring inflammation and allow your care plan to be adjusted as your oral or overall health changes.
Make Gum Health Part of Your Diabetes Care
If you have diabetes and have noticed bleeding, swelling, gum recession or other changes, schedule an evaluation to learn what care may be appropriate for you.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Aurora, call (303) 755-4500. To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Centennial, call (303) 795-5700
FAQ
Do I need to tell my dentist I’m diabetic?
Tell your dental team about your diabetes, medications and any recent changes in blood sugar control. This information helps them assess your risk of infection, delayed healing and gum disease and plan care appropriately.
What do diabetic gums look like?
There is no single appearance unique to diabetes. However, gums affected by inflammation may look red or swollen and may bleed when brushing or flossing. Gum recession, persistent bad breath and loose teeth can be signs that periodontal disease has progressed.
Does diabetes affect dental care?
Diabetes may affect how often your gum health needs to be monitored and how well you heal after certain procedures. If your blood sugar is difficult to manage, your dental and medical providers may coordinate care before treatment. Regular examinations and professional cleanings can help identify and manage problems early.
