Diabetes can wreak havoc on several aspects of a person’s health, including tooth and gum health, with a strong connection between diabetes and gum disease. Bleeding gums are one of the earliest signs of gum disease and should be an immediate cause for concern for any person who lives with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Extensive research has revealed that the relation between diabetes and gum disease is a two-way street. Diabetes is a disease that hinders the body’s ability to process sugar. When blood sugar levels are high, both the gum tissue and saliva contain higher levels of sugar. In turn, sugar contributes to the growth of plaque and bacteria in the mouth by feeding those harmful substances.
Plaque that grows rampant and uncontrolled can irritate the gum tissue, leading to swollen, red, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, this irritation can result in early gum disease — or gingivitis — and, eventually periodontal disease, which can quickly progress to tooth loss and other adverse outcomes.
Moreover, gum disease can actually worsen diabetes. Such infections can cause individuals’ blood sugar levels to rise, making it more difficult for them to control the diabetes. This results in a vicious cycle of gum infection and high blood sugar levels.
The good news is that controlling and/or preventing gum disease in diabetic patients is as simple as keeping diabetes under control. Diabetic patients who have their blood sugar levels under control are less likely to develop issues such as bleeding gums, infection, and gum disease. These individuals are also less likely to lose teeth.
In addition to monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels, diabetics should monitor the gums daily for signs of gum disease, including redness, tenderness, inflammation, and bleeding. By alerting dentists sooner rather than later about the possible development of gingivitis, patients can quickly halt the progression of the disease and, in the process, improve blood sugar control.
Individuals who live with diabetes should be extra vigilant about oral health. Diabetics can follow these tips to prevent inflammation:
Above all, diabetic patients should be extra vigilant about oral hygiene. It is vital to brush daily and floss to remove any buildup between the teeth. Individuals should also rinse with a dentist-recommended mouthwash twice daily.
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Diabetes can interfere with many aspects of a person’s life and wellbeing, including oral health. Thanks to extensive research, dental professionals and other healthcare practitioners now know about the strong link between diabetes and gum disease and can work together to help patients effectively manage both. If you live with diabetes and develop swollen, tender, red, or bleeding gums, schedule a visit with a qualified dentist right away.
Request an appointment or call Lush Dental Co. at 801-326-4131 for an appointment in our Highland office.
Bleeding gums are a hallmark sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Inflammation in your gums can cause them to appear red and puffy. Your gums may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth the way you normally do. You may have healthy gums and still develop gingivitis during pregnancy.…
Patients who notice their gums bleeding upon brushing, flossing, or even eating may initially panic. However, while bleeding gums often signify the beginnings of gingivitis, this inflammation and the resulting gum disease can be reversed with timely and targeted treatments if it is caught soon enough. It is important to investigate the cause of long-term…
You are not alone if you experience bleeding gums when brushing your teeth. You might not realize that bleeding gums are not normal and are a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. The gums may become inflamed and appear brighter red. Improper brushing and flossing can irritate your gums further…