Diabetics More Prone To Periodontal Diseases

Tue, 16 Aug 2011

New research published in the Journal of Periodontology has revealed a link between diabetes mellitus and dental problems .

More than 70 per cent of people with diabetes suffer from periodontal problems, which make it harder for them to control their blood sugar, according to the study.

"Research on 113 Indians suffering from diabetes showed that after treating periodontal infections, it became easier to manage their diabetes," said Dr D. Gopalakrishnan, secretary general of the international clinical dental research organisation.

Explaining the connection between diabetes and periodontal disease, dental expert Dr Vikas Goud said: "In diabetic patients, due to the slow glucose metabolism rate and low immunity, high glucose level in the saliva leads to bacterial infection, resulting in diabetic oral manifestations like swollen gums.

"The insulin, which would have helped in glucose metabolism, is now used to fight infections. Therefore, the sugar level goes up further, posing a risk to diabetic patients."

"Once the sugar level comes down, again the swollen gums become normal."

Dr Sudheer Chowdhury, dental surgeon at Ameerpet Dental Hospital in Hyderabad, India, said the symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding while brushing teeth, swollen puffy gums, bad breath, tooth problems that require frequent use of tooth-picks and wobbly teeth.

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