Diabetes and gum disease go hand-in-hand

November 16, 2023

Could inflamed gums be a RED FLAG about your diabetes risk?

You can’t remember the last time you didn’t spit blood after brushing and flossing…

And lately, your gums have been looking RED…

And feeling INFLAMED. 

They might even be SWOLLEN… and the swelling could be SO BAD, your gums start to grow over your teeth. 

Friend, no matter how GOOD you think your oral hygiene is… using the MOST EXPENSIVE toothpastes and mouthwashes…

You could still be in the crosshairs for gum disease. 

Even if you’ve never had a SINGLE cavity!

That’s because our oral health is INEXTRICABLY linked to the health of the rest of our body…

And there’s one condition that could affect your gums that might surprise you. 

Taking care of this health concern could IMPROVE your gum health…

But as it turns out, it’s a two-way street. 

Because addressing gum inflammation could also help BEAT BACK this potentially serious health issue. 

I’m taking about diabetes.

High blood sugar could as much as TRIPLE your risk for gum disease… partially because of an INCREASED presence of bacteria in your mouth…

And a REDUCTION in saliva, which would otherwise help SWEEP AWAY the “bad bugs”… and help SHIELD your gums from damage. 

It’s no surprise, then, that dry mouth is a symptom of BOTH periodontal problems and blood sugar woes!

It goes the other way, too…

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As oral inflammation won’t do you any favors when it comes to keeping diabetes at bay… especially since excess inflammation could be a culprit behind developing type 2 in the first place. 

Worse yet, gum disease could actually SPIKE your blood glucose levels… and WORSEN diabetes complications!

Now, gum disease is incredibly common in this country… and it usually starts with a relatively MILD form, called gingivitis. 

If left untreated… or if your blood sugar levels are left unchecked… it could PROGRESS to full-blown periodontal disease. 

That’s a more SEVERE condition… which could lead to “pockets” forming between your gums and your teeth… your gums actually PULLING AWAY from your teeth…

And even bone loss.

When that starts to happen… your teeth could become loose. 

At that point, your dentist may involve a periodontist in your care… and recommend a deep cleaning procedure. 

But you can’t stop there. 

Because your doc will need to step in, too… and help you get your blood sugar on the right track. 

If your oral health AND your blood sugar are allowed to go willy-nilly… well, then you’re looking at advanced periodontal disease…

Which could require oral surgery… and may involve tooth loss, bone grafts, implants, and a whole lot of medical bills that might not be covered by insurance. 

Friend, if you’re brushing and flossing religiously… and you’re still STRUGGLING to gain control over your gum health… make sure you get your blood sugar levels checked by a doc. 

While you’re at it, work to EXTINGUISH excess inflammation… 

Namely by following an anti-inflammatory approach to eating (like the Mediterranean diet)… working some exercise into your day… and getting plenty of rest at night.

For better health,

Dr. Marc S. Micozzi, M.D., Ph.D.

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