The majority of discussions about diabetes center on blood sugar, diet, insulin levels, sugar intake, and the potential effects of unstable blood sugar levels on several important organs, including the kidneys, heart, eyes, and nerves. But did you know about the detrimental effects of diabetes on your dental health?
Since 90 million persons in India have diabetes, second only to China, severe gum-related conditions are common there. With the numbers expected to climb. Dentists are detecting a disturbing pattern. Periodontitis, a common “sixth complication” of diabetes, may affect over 60% of diabetics.
The fact that this illness could get worse if treatment is delayed is its most dangerous feature. “It is not only common but also very severe and damaging to the jawbone,” the dentist emphasized. And it progresses faster.” This means diabetic people need to be more vigilant and recognize the link between diabetes and gum disease so that they can take better safeguards.
Bidirectional relationship
“Diabetes increases the risk of gum infections. In turn, gum disease makes controlling blood sugar more difficult. Diabetes and gum disease have a reciprocal association. What happens next? The dentist warned that too much glucose gets into the saliva as long as the blood sugar levels stay high. The subsequent chain reaction: “It feeds harmful bacteria.” These germs attack the gums. Inflammation follows. Infection sets in.”
And at the same time, the dentist pointed out that diabetes damages blood vessels since the oxygen supply to the gums also goes down, which results in sluggish recovery. It enhances the danger of minor gum problems turning serious very quickly.
Moreover, gum disease may potentially increase the risk of developing diabetes by affecting blood sugar management. Chronic gum disease is not limited to the oral cavity. It causes the blood to fill with inflammatory substances. These substances interfere with insulin function. Blood sugar control worsens.
The dentist recommended going for professional cleaning and periodontal treatment to reduce inflammation and treat the gum disease promptly, which also helps in improved blood sugar control.
Lifestyle factors responsible
One of the most significant causes of gum disease is clearly related to lifestyle choices. Obesity, inactivity, and a bad diet constantly inflame the body. This inflammation impacts both metabolic health and gum health. One circumstance feeds the other.
Warning signs
Timely medical intervention is critical. But for that, you need to be able to identify the problem. Some warning signs help identify it. The dentist listed some of the warning signs that diabetic people should not ignore:
- Bleeding while brushing
- Swollen or tender gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
