Diabetes and Oral Health

As diabetics are often more susceptible to infections, they are more likely to have periodontal disease than non-diabetics. Periodontal disease, or severe gum and bone disease, is often considered one of the major complications of diabetes.

While it’s established that people with diabetes are more prone to developing gum disease, this new research implies that chronic gum disease may be a risk factor for diabetes. Gum disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and activate cells that produce inflammatory biological signals that have a destructive effect throughout the body. In the pancreas, the cells responsible for insulin (blood sugar) can be damaged or destroyed. Once this happens, it may trigger Type II diabetes – even in a healthy individual with no other risk factors for diabetes.

It is therefore highly recommended diabetics schedule check-up appointments every 3 months so we can constantly monitor your oral health.