Diabetes and Gum Disease

Diabetes doesn’t make gum disease inevitable, but it does mean that diabetic people need more dental support. At Bernstein Dental Care in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood, we hope that people with diabetes will feel comfortable coming to us for help with gum problems, and we wanted to explain more about why they are especially at risk.


Gum disease is very common. Gingivitis, or “gum inflammation” is the body’s initial response to it and is characterized by redness and bleeding. People with diabetes have even higher rates of gingivitis than the general population. One of the consequences of uncontrolled high blood sugar is decreased efficacy of the immune system, but scientists are increasingly finding evidence that the bacteria that cause gum disease also interfere with the body’s glucose regulation, setting off a vicious circle.


The more advanced form of gum disease, periodontitis, threatens the integrity of the gums, tooth roots, and surrounding jaw tissue. But periodontal interventions are effective in diabetic patients. Removing the bacteria can also help them regain control over their blood sugar, leading to less inflammation elsewhere in their bodies. Diabetic people need to take extra care brushing and flossing, but if they’ve developed gingivitis, we encourage them to see us as soon as possible.


Dr. Paul Bernstein runs Bernstein Dental Care at 350 91st St, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, New York, 11209. To schedule an appointment, visit Bernstein Dental Care or call 718-833-9191.


 

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