Is there a connection between diabetes and gum disease?

We talked with one of our oral health care experts, Peter M. Loomer, DDS, PhD, MBA, School of Dentistry dean, professor of periodontology, researcher and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, to discuss the connection between diabetes and gum disease.

“Is there a connection between diabetes and gum disease?”
Watch Loomer’s Ask the Dentist video on the connections between gum disease and diabetes.

Diabetes has an impact on gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, because diabetes impairs healing. Gum disease requires proper healing of the gum tissues to stop its progression, but diabetes can interfere with this healing process.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup. When plaque is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, the bacteria found in plaque infect your gums, teeth, and, if left untreated, the bone supporting your teeth.

Symptoms of Gum Disease:

• Gums are red, swollen or tender (itchy sensation).
• Gums often bleed when brushing or flossing.
• Receding gum lines expose more of the tooth.

If you have diabetes and are experiencing gum issues, it is important to have your gums examined by an oral health care provider to ensure there are no signs of disease. If gum disease is found, it is imperative that you treat it in order to manage your diabetes long-term.

Gum disease does not cause diabetes. However, in individuals with diabetes, gum disease can lead to increased gum inflammation, making it harder to manage blood sugar levels effectively.

“It’s important to treat your gum disease because if left untreated, it could lead to further progressive bone loss and tissue loss around the teeth, and then eventually, the loss of your teeth,” said Loomer.

Care you can trust

UT Dentistry has gum disease experts in its Periodontics Clinic who can help address all levels of gum disease and damage that may have resulted from it. To learn more, visit UTDentistry.org/Periodontics or call (210) 450-3715. 

For preventative oral health care to ensure your gums stay healthy, visit the experienced dental team at UT Dentistry’s General Dentistry Clinic. Call (210) 567-6453 to make an appointment.