There is a rise in diabetes and a rising number of health professionals looking at periodontal health in conjunction with diabetes. What’s the connection between perio disease and diabetes and what should you do about it?

Perio Disease in Diabetics

Many diabetics have an increased prevalence of periodontal problems. Those with diabetes are at increased risk of complications from infections and, if left untreated, could have a negative impact on blood sugar levels. Overall, perio disease could complicate issues for diabetics and diabetes could increase the chance of having periodontal health problems.

Periodontal Disease and Blood Sugar: A Vicious Cycle

Gum disease could make controlling blood sugar difficult. Blood sugar levels being at less than optimal levels could increase bacteria in the mouth. It’s a vicious cycle. Good oral habits and eradication of bacteria could break that cycle. The right care and attention to your gums is important and if you do have signs of gum disease, work closely with your dentist to ensure you actively manage it to help keep your diabetes stable.

How Excellence in Dentistry Can Help

There are many treatment methods available to help you. PerioLase laser gum surgery is considered by many to be a safer method of treating gum disease for diabetics. Performing LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) on diabetics to fight gum disease reduces inflammation and bleeding and does not interfere with any disease or medication. Due to the increasing evidence showing the connection between oral health and systemic diseases, Excellence in Dentistry aims to help educate our patients and work closely with them to manage their oral health. Your oral health can have a major impact on your overall health. We hope to talk to you soon about your periodontal health and would be happy to provide a free consultation in our Madison, WI or Cottage Grove, WI office.