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Among the list of many consequences, diabetes might cause teeth loss as well, which means that it poses as a worry that medical health professionals should not overlook. It’s also among the preventable conditions that could be avoided with proper cleaning and brushing.
50% of U.S. adults have one form of gum disease
Researchers have stated that periodontal disease (or gum disease) is twice as likely to occur in patients with type 2 diabetes than non-diabetics. Many adults in the United States have one form of it. In fact, it’s estimated that around half of the population may have this condition. The gravity, however, varies.
The disease commonly starts with gingivitis, which is essentially an inflammation of the gums. They become red, swollen, and bleed very easily, but it can be fixed through proper hygiene. However, if left untreated, it will turned into its graver counterpart, periodontitis. This is an inflammation around the actual tooth, when the gums pull away and leave space for bacteria. By leaving periodontitis untreated, it results in loss of bone and teeth.
10-15% of U.S. adults have the more serious complication
Researchers conducted a study on 37,000 people, monitoring teeth loss. According to Dr. Suresh Kumar, from the Calicut Diabetes Forum, between 10-15% of the American population suffers from periodontitis. And yet, diabetics have three times the chance of having the preventable gum disease turn into the more serious condition.
Nutrition may play a significant part in the worrying risk, as patients with diabetes have to give up certain foods for the sake of their health. However, it appears this lack aggravates and accelerates the advanced gum disease, and in extreme cases, there’s a need for surgical intervention. It implies pulling back the gums, and effectively cleaning the teeth and root beneath.
Aside from nutrition, Dr. Kumar states that diabetics drugs may be one of the causes aside from nutrition. These medications lower the amount of saliva, which is essential in flushing bacteria of out their mouth. The high glucose levels that diabetics have also may be a contributor to this conditions. The bacterial thrives due to the high sugar level, and that in turn, actually aggravates type 2 diabetes.
Periodontitis and diabetes teamwork
Periodontitis and diabetes help each other out. The advanced gum disease adds to the blood sugar level, while the diabetes accelerates the onset of periodontitis. Dr. Kumar claimed that they have noted that once the inflammation caused by periodontitis is fixed, the blood sugar levels drop.
Their study highlights the importance of proper cleaning and dental self-care. Among many other issues that are regularly warned off for diabetics, teeth health should be among them. Experts recommend brushing twice daily, flossing at least once, and paying a visit to the dentist two times per year. There’s a connection between the two conditions, and it should be prevented before it turns into a more complicated disease.
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