Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body processes sugar, leading to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels.
For people over 50, managing diabetes becomes even more important because it can lead to many complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, and problems with vision.
One lesser-known but significant complication of diabetes is gum disease, also called periodontal disease.
Research has shown that people with diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing gum problems, and understanding why this happens can help with prevention and better oral health.
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold the teeth in place. It starts with gingivitis, which causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily, and can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form that can lead to tooth loss.
Studies have found that people with diabetes are up to three times more likely to develop gum disease than those without diabetes. This increased risk is due to the way diabetes affects the body’s ability to fight infection and heal.
One of the main reasons diabetes raises the risk of gum disease is high blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is poorly controlled, it creates an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive in the mouth.
These bacteria form plaque, a sticky film that builds up on teeth and gums. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to infection.
Diabetes also weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections like gum disease. Research has shown that people with poorly controlled diabetes have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies.
This inflammation affects the gums, causing them to become swollen and more prone to damage. Over time, the ongoing inflammation can destroy the tissue and bone that support the teeth.
Another factor is the reduced ability of people with diabetes to heal. High blood sugar levels interfere with blood flow, which slows the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the gums and other tissues. This delay in healing means that gum infections can last longer and become more severe in people with diabetes.
The connection between diabetes and gum disease is not one-sided. Gum disease can also make it harder to control blood sugar levels.
Infections in the gums can trigger a response from the body that raises blood sugar, creating a cycle where diabetes and gum disease worsen each other. This relationship highlights the importance of taking care of both oral health and diabetes to break the cycle.
Thankfully, there are ways to manage this risk. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for detecting and treating gum problems early.
Dentists can perform deep cleaning procedures to remove plaque and tartar and prevent the infection from spreading. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce the risk of gum disease.
Controlling blood sugar levels is equally important. Research has shown that people with well-managed diabetes have a lower risk of gum disease than those with poorly controlled blood sugar.
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking medications as prescribed can help keep blood sugar in check, which in turn supports healthier gums.
For people over 50, understanding the link between diabetes and gum disease is an essential step in protecting overall health. By staying on top of oral hygiene and managing diabetes effectively, it’s possible to reduce the risk of gum disease and its complications.
Healthy gums are an important part of living well with diabetes, and taking care of them can make a big difference in overall well-being.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
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