The Connection Between Gum Disease and Diabetes

For years, doctors have known that people with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease. But recent research shows the relationship is actually a two-way street. Not only does diabetes make gum disease worse, but severe gum disease can actually make diabetes harder to control.

Diabetes reduces your body's ability to fight infection. High blood sugar levels also thicken blood vessels, slowing the flow of nutrients to gum tissue and the removal of waste products. This weakens the gums and bone, allowing bacteria to take hold and spread much faster than in a healthy person.

This is the surprising part. Severe gum disease is an infection. Any infection in the body causes stress, which naturally raises blood sugar levels. For a diabetic, this constant, low-grade infection in the mouth can make it incredibly difficult to keep glucose levels stable, even with medication.

Uncontrolled diabetes leads to worse gum disease. Worse gum disease leads to higher blood sugar. It is a cycle that can lead to rapid tooth loss and severe diabetic complications if not broken.