The Intersection Between Diabetes and Gun Disease

November 21, 2016

You probably already know that diabetes can be caused by high blood sugar, obesity or metabolic syndromes. What you might not know, however, is that it has also been linked to periodontal disease. Indeed, poor gum health can lead to the development of diabetes if it is left unchecked. Why are these two illnesses so closely linked? The reasons illuminate why periodontal health is so important for diabetic and non-diabetic patients alike.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease Share Bacteria

Medical professionals have identified common bacteria between the two diseases that facilitates the simultaneous development of both. Diabetic hyperglycemia can cause glycated lipids and proteins to become biologically active and inflammatory on both local and systemic levels. This process makes patients particularly susceptible to disease, including periodontal infections. The resulting bacterial development tends to exacerbate symptoms of both diseases.

Make Note of Respective Symptoms

Though linked, diabetes and gum disease are separate ailments with unique symptoms. In order to defend yourself against both, you should be aware of their respective symptoms. Signs of diabetes include the following:

• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slowly healing wounds
• Numbness

Symptoms of gum disease, alternately, are as follows:

• Toothache
• Gum line recession
• Sore and swollen gums

Find a Gum Disease Treatment That Works

If you have experienced any of the latter symptoms, a periodontist can determine whether you have gum disease, and if so, offer the treatment that you need. There are a range of options, and the right one will depend on a number of factors, including the current stage of the infection. LANAP® is a convenient and minimally invasive procedure that can remedy periodontal disease without a major surgery. It also prevents the bone, tissue and teeth surrounding the infection from being harmed over the course of the procedure.

Caring for your periodontal health is imperative whether you have diabetes or not. If you are ready to invest in your gums and your whole wellbeing, arrange an appointment with Drs. Steven Saunders, Victor Saunders and Jess Dickson.

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