Gum Disease and Diabetes

Better Gums, Better Blood Sugars?

Diabetes and gum disease have always been related. But now the question is, can taking care of your gums help manage your blood sugars?  It could,  if you respond the same as the people in a study published  in  the Journal of Periodontology.

The study showed that in 10 people who had chronic moderate periodontitis (irritated gums),  standard gum care and  non-surgical procedures resulted in dramatically improved A1c results! 

Diabetes and gum disease often go hand in hand.  People with diabetes develop infections easier than those without blood sugar problems. So not surprisingly, people with diabetes are more at risk for developing periodontitis. From there, it becomes a vicious circle. If infection sets in, this will worsen blood sugars.  As it happens, this inflammation of the gums alone may be enough to worsen blood sugar control in diabetes. 

In the study reported in the Journal of Periodontology 10 people with diabetes and gum disease had conventional treatment for moderate chronic periodontitis. This included  scaling and root planing (SRP). After a few months, the gum irritation improved as was shown by the reduced gum bleeding, reduced plaque on teeth and less looseness of teeth. As well, the A1c or three month average blood sugars dropped from an average of 7.2% to 5.7%. Meaning they dropped into healthy target range for people with diabetes. 

Of course, the study was very small and the control group did not have diabetes. Still, this is a starting point and perhaps more research will be done to determine the link between gum disease, oral health and blood sugar control. 

Speaking from experience as a diabetes educator, I have certainly seen people with diabetes suffer infections or root canals after having general dentistry work done. Any cut in the gum, bleeding gums or even general teeth cleaning can potentially result in infection in someone whose blood sugars are not within guidelines blood sugar levels.  This opening into the body allows bacteria in and, as diabetes educators are so fond of saying,  the  high sugar in the blood acts like an all-you-can-eat buffet for bacteria. They love to feed off of it and multiply.  

The bottom line about diabetes and gum disease . . .

Take care of your teeth and your gums. Oral health matters to your overall health and possibly your blood sugars. Watch out for the symptoms of gum disease which may include: 

• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
• Swollen, red or tender gums
• Gums that recede far from the teeth (lots of tooth length)
• Constant or frequent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• A change in how your teeth fit together

Also, see your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.  Because of the high risk of infections and high chance of developing gum disease, people with diabetes should consider regular dental care as important as getting regular A1c tests. At the very least, see visit the dentist once a year. 

And of course the reverse is true - to help oral health, as well as help damage to eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, learn to spot trends in your blood sugar numbers and then work to lower those high blood sugars. Try here if you need help: 

• 13 ways to lower fasting blood glucose levels
  
• How to lower blood sugar at lunch:
  Do you know if the numerous hours between breakfast and lunch are putting you at risk for complications? This is one of the two least tested times of the day that can impact your health. 
  
• 18 ways to lower blood glucose levels at supper:
  And highs at supper that aren’t really highs. No—this is not a typo.
  
• How to lower blood sugar at bedtime: these tests can affect over a third of your day's blood sugar values!
  
• How to lower glucose levels after meals- the forgotten tests that matter sooo much to health!
  

Good Luck, Good Health! And go get that floss!

Leaving Diabetes and Gum Disease to go Home: How to Lower Blood Sugar

SOURCE: Journal of Periodontology, April 2006.