Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, and even permanent tooth loss. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood sugar is too high. Both diseases are chronic and silent.

There is clear evidence of a two way relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes.

People with periodontitis have a higher risk of diabetes and people with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop periodontitis than people without diabetes. People with both periodontal disease and diabetes have a greater likelihood of more severe medical complications (affecting the heart, eyes and kidneys) and even death than people with diabetes alone.

At DP Dental, we can assess your risk for systemic infection due to the presence of certain bacteria, through Oral Biofilm Screening. Rather than addressing gum disease after the damage has occurred, oral biofilm screening allows us to proactively prevent diseases and tackle problems at their root cause. This enables us to tailor treatment plans based on your unique oral microbiome, ensuring targeted and effective care.

DID YOU KNOW?

Almost 8 in 9 people in Singapore have some form of periodontal disease.
1 in 9 people in Singapore have diabetes mellitus. According to studies, severe gum disease could be one of the early signs of diabetes and pre-diabetes.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection and inflammation of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, primarily caused by bacteria that have been accumulating on your teeth and gums. It can occur in one or more teeth and may affect anyone at any age.The three stages of periodontal disease – from mild to severe – are gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, and even permanent tooth loss.

Though it is possible to have gum disease without any symptoms, most patients suffering from periodontal disease do exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Red, swollen, sore gums
  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Dentures no longer fit
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • A change in bite and jaw alignment
periodontal disease and diabetes
laser periodontal disease treatment

Periodontal Diseases: Important Facts

  • Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are common inflammatory conditions.
  • Untreated periodontitis can result in tooth loss.
  • Individuals with untreated periodontitis may face challenges in nutrition, speech, and self-confidence, impacting their overall quality of life.
  • Periodontitis is associated with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stroke and increased systemic inflammation.
  • Fortunately, periodontitis is easily diagnosed and can be controlled with regular, high-quality supportive treatment, ensuring positive outcomes.

Link Between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Impact of Periodontitis on Diabetes

  • Healthy individuals with periodontitis face an increased likelihood of developing pre-diabetes and diabetes.
  • Severe periodontitis elevates the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Periodontitis is significantly linked to poorer glycemic control (HbA1C) and higher blood-glucose levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
  • People with periodontitis exhibit higher levels of insulin resistance.
  • Individuals with periodontitis and diabetes (type 1 or 2) experience higher rates of ocular complications (retinopathy), renal complications (chronic kidney disease), cardiovascular complications (heart disease, cerebrovascular events), and an increased risk of mortality compared to those with diabetes alone.

Impact of Diabetes on Periodontitis

  • Elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) increase the risk and severity of periodontitis.
  • There is a clear relationship between the amount of sugar in the blood (glycaemia) and the extent of periodontal damage.
  • Patients with diabetes are three times more likely to develop gum disease.
  • Controlling diabetes becomes more complicated when periodontitis is also present in a patient (co-morbidity).
  • Individuals with diabetes who maintain good control of their blood sugar levels experience no higher incidence of periodontitis than people without diabetes.
periodontal disease and diabetes

Oral Biofilm Screening @ DP Dental

At DP Dental, we take a pioneering approach to dental care through oral biofilm screening, enhancing the traditional dental cleaning experience. This innovative method focuses on the early detection and intervention of specific pathogens in your oral microbiome, potentially before they impact your health.

During your visit, your dentist or oral health therapist will gently collect a sample of plaque from your teeth for evaluation under the microscope. This allows us to understand your unique oral microbiome, enabling us to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. This targeted and effective care ensures a more personalised approach to maintaining your oral health.

periodontal disease and diabetes

If you are currently experiencing one or more symptoms of gum disease or are diabetic, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with us promptly. Through oral biofilm screening, we determine the standard or elevated risks of systemic infection due to the presence of certain bacteria, and recommend suitable interventions tailored to your level of risk and condition.

DP Dental has been a leader in dental laser technology – we utilise non-invasive, high performance laser treatment for gum disease, designed to eliminate unhealthy bacteria in your mouth.

Why Choose DP Dental for Better Gum Health

periodontal disease and diabetes

3 Convenient Clinics Near Public Transport

We operate three clinics in Kovan, Orchard and Katong. Each clinic is equipped with modern technology and is easily accessible by public transport.

periodontal disease and diabetes

Early Intervention Using Oral Biofilm Screening

Instead of dealing with gum disease after it happens, our oral biofilm screening at DP Dental lets us prevent issues proactively. We identify problems at the root cause, allowing us to create personalised treatment plans based on your unique oral microbiome for precise and effective care.

High Quality Lasers for Gum Disease Treatment

Erbium lasers offer a minimally invasive solution to periodontal disease, blending efficiency with patient comfort. DP Dental, at the forefront of this technology since 2008, employs highly experienced clinicians proficient in using the Biolase Waterlase iPlus and Fotona LightWalker systems. These advanced tools allow for precise removal of diseased tissue, reduced bacterial and viral load and promote the healing of healthy tissue, significantly improving treatment outcomes. 

Why Choose DP Dental for Better Gum Health

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes FAQs

Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are the most prevalent inflammatory diseases among humans. Periodontitis, the more severe form, damages the gums, bones, and supporting tissues of the teeth. It is triggered by pathogens in dental plaque, both above and below the gum line.

Left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, impacting eating, speaking, smile aesthetics, and lowered self-confidence and quality of life. Periodontitis is associated not only with an increased risk of diabetes but also with other conditions, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, complications during pregnancy, and erectile dysfunction.

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is characterised by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and has two major forms. Type 1 diabetes results from a lack of insulin due to an autoimmune reaction in the pancreas, while type 2 diabetes occurs due to insulin resistance linked to chronically high blood sugar levels.

Long-term high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, eye problems, kidney problems, and foot problems that can result in amputation.

Periodontitis and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship. Healthy individuals with periodontitis are more likely to develop pre-diabetes and diabetes, while severe periodontitis increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Periodontitis is linked to poorer glycemic control and higher blood glucose levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Successful periodontal treatment may improve diabetes outcomes.

If you have diabetes, schedule a dental appointment, informing your dentist of diabetes control results and any medication changes. Even without gum disease, regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential for diabetes management. At DP Dental, we can assess your risk for systemic infection due to the presence of certain bacteria, and recommend suitable interventions tailored to your level of risk and condition.  This risk assessment helps identify specific pathogens in your oral microbiome before they impact your health.

Managing diabetes becomes more complex with coexisting periodontitis. Individuals with both conditions face a higher risk of severe medical complications, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and retinopathy, compared to those with diabetes alone. 

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