Gum Disease

    The American Academy of Periodontology surveyed more than 200 scientific English-
    language articles from the past 50 years that examined the relationship between
    periodontal disease and diabetes. This research review found:

           •     Individuals with diabetes are three to four times more likely to develop chronic gum
                 infections.

           •     Inflamed gums may increase insulin resistance in a way similar to obesity, thereby
                 aggravating glycemic or blood sugar control.

    Gum disease, while more prevalent in adults, can start at any age. Children and teenagers
    who have Type 1 diabetes are at greater risk of developing gum disease than their peers. In
    a survey of 263 young people ages 11 to 18-years-old with Type I diabetes, 10 percent had
    obvious periodontitis.

    Dentists believe such research findings support the idea that periodontal bacteria can
    easily enter the blood stream through open pores in inflamed gums and be transmitted to
    other parts of the body where it causes great harm.

    Diabetes also can make an individual more susceptible to the following conditions:

           •    Oral infections with symptoms including large
                or small areas of swelling; pus around teeth, gums
                or other areas in the mouth; persistent pain in the
                mouth or sinus area; white or red patches on gums,
                tongue, cheeks or the roof of the mouth; pain when
                chewing, particularly when eating something cold,
                hot or sweet; and teeth with dark spots or holes.

           •     Fungal infections, such as thrush, can be
                 aggravated by high blood sugar levels orfrequent
                 antibiotic use. Thrush appears as white (or sometimes red) patches in the mouth.
                 Left untreated, it can become sore or turn into ulcers.

           •    Poor healing increases the chances of infection after dental surgery. Controlling
                blood sugar before, during and after surgery helps with healing and minimizes
                complications.

           •    Dry mouth, a condition also aggravated by taking certain medications. Germs and
                acids are more likely to accumulate due to reduced saliva, thus increasing the risk of
                cavities and salivary gland infections. Drinking more fluids, chewing sugar-free gum
                and sucking on sugar-free candy can help keep saliva flowing. Saliva substitutes
                also are available at some drug stores.
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