Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

It is important for all dental staff to understand that diabetes increases the risk for, and severity of the periodontal disease. Conversely, periodontal disease may exacerbate diabetes by significantly worsening glycemic control over time.

We know from the literature that diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal infections. The Diabetes Health Center has an article entitled “Diabetes and Periodontal Disease”, which addresses why and how this disease affects gum disease. The article states:

“Diabetic Control, like other complications of diabetes, gum disease is linked to diabetic control. People with poor blood sugar control get gum disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than do persons with good control. In fact, people whose diabetes is well controlled have no more periodontal disease than persons without diabetes.”

It is important that patients recognize the value of seeing a dentist at Fox Family Dentistry every six months, or as recommended.