Concern in Ft. Lauderdale – Is There a Link Between Diabetes and Gum Disease?

There have been a number of headlines lately linking diabetes to periodontal or gum disease. Many of our patients ask about this – you might have a similar question.

Here is a brief overview from the American Academy of Periodontology.

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.

Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.

Read more here at the American Academy of Periodontology website…

Need more information about understanding the link between diabetes, your overall health and gum disease? Please call one of our offices and schedule some to time to speak with our professional staff.

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700