A person’s gums tell us a lot about their overall health or risk for developing disease – respiratory infections, pregnancy complications, diabetes, and other conditions have been linked with gum disease. With diabetes specifically, research shows a two-way relationship: diabetes can worsen gum disease, and untreated gum disease can make diabetes harder to control.
Learning how diabetes increases your risk for gum disease or how gum disease might be the sign of other issues can help you take early or preventative measures to improve your long-term health outcomes.
How Does Diabetes Affect Gum Health?
People with diabetes have higher blood sugar levels, which can lead to:
- Reduced ability to fight infections, making your gums more vulnerable to bacteria
- Increased inflammation, which can accelerate gum disease progression
- Dry mouth, which reduces saliva production and raises the risk of plaque buildup
How Gum Disease Can Impact Diabetes
Gum disease isn’t just a dental issue—it can also affect diabetes management. Chronic inflammation from gum disease can make blood sugar levels harder to regulate, leading to complications such as:
- Increased insulin resistance
- Higher risk of infections
- Slower wound healing
Signs of Gum Disease to Watch For
If you have diabetes, be aware of these gum disease symptoms:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or loose teeth
Learn more about the symptoms of gum disease here.
Protecting Your Oral Health
Managing diabetes and maintaining good oral hygiene go hand in hand. While gum disease isn’t always curable, there are measures you can take to treat it and reduce symptoms.
If you haven’t yet developed gum disease, here’s how you can lower your risk:
- Brush twice daily and floss regularly
- Visit a periodontist for professional cleanings and checkups
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control
- Avoid smoking, which can worsen gum disease
At Fort Bend Perio, we specialize in periodontal care for patients with diabetes. Schedule an appointment with Fort Bend Perio in Sugar Land, Texas today by filling out our online form or calling 281-980-2344 to protect your oral health.
