Compared to the volume of research available on this topic, the awareness about the role of oral health in diabetes is almost non-existent. Many know of the complications of diabetes, such as retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy, but not many are aware that gum infection (periodontitis) is considered the sixth complication of diabetes.
There is a two-way relationship between the two health problems. People living with diabetes are more likely to suffer from gum disease compared with those who do not have diabetes. What’s little known is that if your periodontitis is severe and not treated it’s difficult to get blood sugar levels under control, sometimes despite taking medication. This is because infection increases the levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, in the body. These hormones work against the action of insulin, increasing the body’s production of glucose, which results in high blood sugar levels. Here’s what you need to do.
Along with regular health check-ups do prioritise an oral screening once every six months, so early sings of gum disease can be caught. This is important, because gum diseases creeps up silently and could be a sign of diabetes. It affects the tissues that support the teeth, leading to loosening and eventual loss of teeth. This may be accelerated if you have uncontrolled diabetes (unregulated by medication and lifestyle changes). Your dentist is trained to identify the early signs of diabetes during your routine check-up and can advise you to get tested for it if necessary.
If you have diabetes, it might be necessary to go for check-ups more frequently (once in four months). Maintaining proper oral hygiene with a proper brushing technique, which will be demonstrated by your dental surgeon, is also crucial for you to keep your blood sugar levels under check.
If you have redness, swelling and/or bleeding gums, do go for a check-up.
Dr Sunitha Raja is a periodontist and implantologist with a Masters in Public Health from the University of Houston, Texas
