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Diabetes

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Gum disease & general health

What is
diabetes?

Diabetes is a common health problem that if not controlled can have many serious health effects which in turn can lead to lower life expectancy. Complications include:

  • Cardiovascular disease (major cause of death) and peripheral vascular disease (amputations)
  • Cerebrovascular disease and stroke
  • Retinopathy (blindness)
  • Nephropathy (renal failure)
  • Neuropathy (painful nerve damage)
  • Periodontal disease

Periodontal diseases are one of the most common diseases in humans and although diabetes and periodontal diseases may seem unrelated we know that people who suffer with diabetes have a two-fold or greater risk of developing periodontal diseases.

Due to the increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis seen in diabetic patients with poor glycaemic control, periodontitis has been identified as ‘the 6th complication of diabetes’.

Well controlled diabetes is not a risk factor for periodontitis, however if it is not well controlled patients can develop a more severe form of periodontitis. Studies have demonstrated that the presence of one condition adversely effects the other.

As well as periodontal diseases there are other possible oral complications of diabetes including:

  • Reduced salivary flow
  • Burning mouth or tongue
  • Increased candida infections
  • Angular chelitis
  • Taste disturbance
  • Oral lichen planus
  • Multiple periodontal abscesses
  • Denture-induced stomatitis


Watch more about how diabetes affects gum disease.

How does Periodontitis affect Diabetes?

Severe periodontitis can adversely affect glycaemic control in diabetics and there is a direct link between periodontitis severity and diabetes complications.

The mechanism by which periodontitis affects diabetes is not yet completely understood, but scientists think that when periodontitis is present the mouth is a significant source of bacteria, these bacteria cause a reaction in the body that results in our defence system being activated. Molecules released due to this defence reaction have the ability to suppress insulin and therefore lead to elevated blood glucose levels.

Preventing dental problems associated with Diabetes

  • First and most importantly you need to control your blood glucose levels, always inform us of your most recent HbA1c test which will provide us with a better idea of your diabetes control and how this may affect your periodontal condition
  • Take good care of your teeth and gums by ensuring you attend appointments regularly as advised by your dental professional
  • Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine to ensure you effectively remove bacterial plaque from the mouth
  • To control and prevent candida infections maintain good blood glucose control, avoid smoking, and if you wear them remove dentures and clean well twice daily
  • Prevent the reduction of saliva flow and a dry mouth by keeping blood glucose levels well controlled
If you would like to find out more about diabetes and the effect on gum and periodontal health please call us to speak with our friendly team or fill out our contact form.