Two-Way Relationship Between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
Diabetes can increase a patient’s chance of having periodontal disease and research suggests that periodontal disease may make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.
Courtesy Northlake Periodontics, Northshore LIVING WELL Magazine
More than 25 million people in the U.S., that is 8.3% of the population, have diabetes with seven million being undiagnosed. Dr. Marija LaSalle knows that you already understand that it is critical for diabetic patients to monitor and control their blood sugar. You may not know that good oral health doesn’t just keep the mouth and gums free from infection, it may have a huge impact on diabetes control. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease. Generally, it is an unknown fact that periodontal disease is the sixth leading complication for diabetics.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and attachment fibers that support the teeth and hold them in the jaw. If periodontitis is left untreated it may cause damage to your bone or result in tooth loss. Tooth loss can make it difficult to chew and digest food, which can greatly affect the ability to regulate blood sugar levels and maintain proper nutrition. A diabetic patient is three to four times more likely to develop a chronic periodontal infection, which can impair their ability to process insulin. These infections may make your diabetes more difficult to control. Fungal infections and dry mouth are also common problems associated with diabetes.
Just as your endocrinologist monitors your blood sugar to determine your insulin dose and frequency, Dr. LaSalle will determine how often you need to have a professional cleaning to help prevent your periodontal disease from progressing. Periodontal treatment and antibiotics have improved blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, which suggests that treating the disease could decrease their insulin requirement. After an examination and evaluation, Dr. LaSalle will work with your physician to help you control both the diabetes and gum disease.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. LaSalle at Northlake Periodontics, L.L.C., please call 985- 727-1133. She is located at 1580 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 5, in Mandeville, LA.
