There is a relation between diabetes & gum disease since diabetics are more susceptible to infections. Periodontal disease is thought to be the sixth most common complication of diabetes. People who do not control their blood sugars are more likely to have gum disease compared to those who control their sugar levels.
There have been studies performed which show that people who have periodontal disease may also have a more difficult time controlling their blood sugar. Severe periodontal disease and the associated bacterial infection can increase blood sugar levels; this then increases levels of hyperglycemia.
With prolonged amounts of increased blood sugar, diabetic patients are at increased risk of having complications. Treating infections such as gum disease aids in containing hyperglycemia.
The treatments for gum disease (except for advanced stages) can be both non-surgical and surgical. Non-surgical treatments are scaling and root planing to rid the debris which can cause infection and Laser Periodontal Therapy to reduce pockets that provide an excellent site for bacteria to grow. It is recommended to have continued maintenance care.
Gum disease is a silent disease. Newest reports suggest that 80% of the population have some level of periodontitis and 70% do know they have it. Contact us today for your professional periodontal evaluation.