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belonging to the Academy of General Dentistry. As one of the 35,000 general dentists in the United Sates and Canada who are member of the Academy, your dentists
participates in an ongoing program of professional development and continuing education to remain current with advances in the profession and to provide quality patient
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Diabetes and Oral Health
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease may
result from gingivitis, an
inflammation of the gums usually
caused by the presence of bacteria
in plaque. Plaque is the sticky film
that accumulates on teeth both
above and below the gum line.
Without regular dental checkups,
periodontal disease may result if
gingivitis is left untreated. It also
can cause inflammation and
destruction of tissues surrounding
and supporting teeth, gums
(gingiva), bone and fibers which
hold the gums to the teeth.
A number of factors increase
the probability of developing
periodontal disease, including
diabetes, smoking, poor oral
hygiene, diet, and genetic makeup;
and it is the primary cause of tooth
loss in adults.
How are periodontal disease
and diabetes related?
It is estimated that 12 to 14
million people, or one-third
of the population in the United
States, have diabetes, but only one-
half of these individuals are
diagnosed.
Studies have shown that
diabetics are more susceptible to
the development of oral infections
and periodontal disease than those
who do not have diabetes. Oral
infections tend to be more severe
in diabetic patients than non-
diabetic patients. And, diabetics
who do not have good control over
their blood sugar levels tend to
have more oral health problems.
These infections occur more often
after puberty and in aging patients.
What types of problems could I
experience?
Diabetics may experience
diminished salivary flow and
burning mouth or tongue. Dry
mouth (xerostomia) also may
develop, causing an increased
incidence of decay. Gum
recession has been found to occur
more frequently and more exten-
sively in moderate and poorly-
controlled diabetic
patients because plaque responds
differently, creating more harmful
proteins in the gums. To prevent
problems with bacterial infections
in the mouth, your dentist may
prescribe antibiotics, medicated
mouth rinses, and more frequent
cleanings.
How can I stay healthy?
Make sure to take extra good care
of your mouth and have dental
infections treated immediately.
Diabetics who receive good dental
care and have good insulin control
typically have a better chance at
avoiding gum disease.
Diet and exercise may be the
most important changes that
diabetics can make to improve
their quality of life and their oral
health. Diabetic patients should be
sure both their medical and dental
care providers are aware of their
medical history and periodontal
status. To keep teeth and gums
strong, diabetic patients should be
aware of their blood sugar levels in
addition to having their
triglycerides and cholesterol
levels checked on a regular basis.
These may have a direct
correlation on your chances of
obtaining periodontal disease.
What is the best time to receive
dental care?
If your blood sugar is not under
control, talk with both your dentist
and physician about receiving
elective dental care. Dental proce-
dures should be as short and as
stress free as possible. Also make
morning appointments because
blood glucose levels tend to be
under better control at this time of
day.
If you have a scheduled
appointment, eat and take your
medications as directed. See your
dentist on a regular basis, keep
him or her informed of your health
status, and keep your mouth in
good health.
Sources: Collagenex
Pharmaceuticals, American
Academy of Periodontolgy,
Journal of the Greater Houston
Dental Society.
