How Diabetes and Gum Disease Interact

Bleeding gums are common, but they’re not healthy. We can provide deep cleanings of the gum pockets at Alta Loma Dental Care, but we need our patients to recognize when it’s time to get help. That’s especially important for people with diabetes, who have higher rates of gum disease. It’s not just their oral health that depends on good dental care.

People with diabetes are predisposed to chronic inflammation. When the body detects an infection, such as one in the gum pockets, inflammation is the immune system’s initial response. It helps to isolate pathogens and direct white blood cells to where they need to go. But inflammation is uncomfortable and has damaging effects if it persists long-term, and people with uncontrolled high blood sugar have difficulty fighting infections. So while gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is high in the general population, it’s even more common among people with diabetes. If it progresses, it can cause gum tissue to recede, leaving the teeth less supported. There is also evidence that gum disease makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, resulting in a feedback loop.

Fortunately, gum disease treatments are effective interventions. But to stop gum disease before it starts, people with diabetes need to keep proper protocol when brushing and flossing and to keep regular appointments so we can provide below-the-gum cleanings.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Does Diabetes Affect Orthodontic Treatment?

People with diabetes have unique dental challenges, and at Alta Loma Dental Care, we’re here to help them get the care they need. Among the many services we offer are orthodontic corrections, including Six Month Smiles and Invisalign. Many of our diabetic patients are interested in fixing misaligned teeth, which is why we want to explain how diabetes interacts with orthodontic therapy.

People with diabetes are at increased risk for gingivitis and periodontal disease. Those who have experienced problems with these in the past and suffered tooth migration may especially desire orthodontic treatment, but braces make oral hygiene even more important and difficult. If the patient’s diabetes were to become uncontrolled again and cause a gum infection, the braces might have to be removed. However, Invisalign does not prevent this issue. The aligners are removed when the patient brushes their teeth as normal, and the pressure they put on the teeth is not as extreme is that caused by regular braces. If a patient’s diabetes is under control, they may be a good candidate for Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces. These are also a low-force treatment and the monthly tightening appointments will give us an opportunity to ensure the patient’s teeth and gums are still healthy.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.