Gum Disease and Diabetes — Which came first the Chicken or the Egg???

The relationship between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease can lead quickly into a downward spiral.  In fact recent research has shown that not only does Diabetes put you at greater risk of developing Periodontal Disease, but having Periodontal Disease alone will put you at an increased risk for developing Diabetes.   

Diabetic patients are at a much greater risk of developing periodontal disease due to changes in the blood flow which nourishes the gums.   Periodontal Disease in turn can elevate blood sugar levels and diabetic complications.

Why is it that Diabetics are at an increased risk for the development of Periodontal Disease? Diabetics are at an increased risk for the development of all infections, and the gums are no exception.

What do you do if you are diabetic and don’t know if you have Periodontal Disease? Visit your dentist regularly and if you don’t have a regular dentist, find a General Dentist who has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease.  Many patients who don’t know that they are Diabetic have been referred to their physicians by dentists for evaluation based on the fact that they have gum disease.

Treating  and even Preventing Gum Disease is possible with the help of your dentist.