{"id":93,"date":"2024-10-12T18:00:24","date_gmt":"2024-10-12T18:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/blog\/?p=93"},"modified":"2024-11-16T18:04:11","modified_gmt":"2024-11-16T18:04:11","slug":"double-trouble-diabetes-and-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistryintucson.com\/blog\/double-trouble-diabetes-and-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Double Trouble: Diabetes and Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Did you know that an estimated 38.4 million Americans had diabetes in 2021? This chronic medical condition can impact your well-being in many ways, and your mouth is no exception. In fact, according to the CDC, about 58% of adults with diabetes in the United States also have gum disease<\/a>– yikes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, periodontal problems are also the #1 leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Therefore, diabetic patients may need to take extra precautions to keep their smiles happy and healthy. Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between diabetes and gum disease and how to protect and preserve your grin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Are Gum Disease and Diabetes Connected?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body doesn\u2019t produce or use insulin properly, which results in high glucose (blood sugar) levels. This attracts unhealthy bacteria in your mouth that thrive on sugar and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. If these germs penetrate your connective tissue, they can cause an infection that worsens until it\u2019s addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, increased glucose levels in saliva can lead to dry mouth, further encouraging unwanted microbes to proliferate. Your spit has a nearly neutral pH balance to counteract acid damage and rinses away food and debris that cause dental issues. Without enough moisture, it\u2019s harder for your body to fight gum disease-inducing germs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Treating your gum disease can help manage your diabetes, and vice versa, but first you have to be able to recognize the signs. The earliest stage, gingivitis, is notoriously difficult to spot because it doesn\u2019t always exhibit visible symptoms until it progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might have periodontal disease if you notice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n