Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Individuals suffering from diabetes have defects in small blood vessels, not only in the extremities (toes and fingers) and the retina of the eye but also in the gums.

The immune system of diabetics is also compromised. Diabetics are at higher risk of developing bacterial infections, especially in the mouth.

These infections may result in greater difficulty with controlling your diabetes. This unique 'vicious cycle' makes periodontal diseases in the diabetic more severe, more difficult to treat and more likely to recur.

Steps to prevent periodontal disease include daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque from your teeth and gums, regular dental visits for professional cleaning and regular periodontal evaluation.

For the diabetic, this may not be enough. Your health professional must also be told of your history and the current status of your condition. And finally, you can help resist periodontal infection by carefully controlling your blood sugar levels.