8115 Preston Road, Suite 655 Dallas, Texas 75225

(214) 522-9700

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Diabetes & Periodontal Disease

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Understanding the Two-Way Relationship

At Park Cities Periodontics, we understand the profound connection between your overall health and your oral health. One of the most significant and often overlooked relationships is the one between diabetes and periodontal disease. For years, research has shown that people with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease than those without the condition. This is largely due to the fact that individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including those that affect the gums. In fact, periodontal disease is sometimes referred to as the “sixth complication” of diabetes. People with uncontrolled diabetes are particularly at risk.

How Diabetes & Periodontal Disease Affect Each Other

While it is well-established that individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease, what is less widely understood is that this connection works in both directions. Research has now confirmed that periodontal disease can make it more challenging for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels.

When periodontal disease is present, it leads to inflammation and infection in the gums, which can have a direct impact on your body’s ability to control blood sugar. This creates a cycle where high blood sugar makes the gums more vulnerable to infection, and the infection in turn worsens blood sugar control.

How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Diabetes?

Severe periodontal disease contributes to higher blood sugar levels, which, over time, can result in increased periods of elevated blood sugar. If your blood sugar is not properly controlled, this places you at a higher risk for complications related to diabetes, such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve issues. The chronic inflammation caused by gum disease may interfere with insulin’s effectiveness, making it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.

This two-way relationship means that managing your periodontal health is crucial for better blood sugar control. Research suggests that by addressing periodontal disease, you may help reduce the difficulty in managing your diabetes, which in turn can lower your risk of developing severe complications related to diabetes.

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Can Improving My Oral Health Help Control My Diabetes?

You may be surprised to learn that maintaining good oral health can help support the management of your diabetes. By treating and eliminating periodontal disease, you can help reduce the inflammation that contributes to blood sugar spikes. This may allow for better control over your blood glucose levels and may even help reduce your reliance on medications over time. The improvement in oral health can also help improve your overall sense of well-being and reduce your risk of long-term health issues.

Research is ongoing to fully understand the mechanisms by which periodontal disease impacts blood sugar control. However, the evidence thus far strongly supports the idea that controlling gum disease is a key factor in achieving better diabetes management.

What Should You Do If You Have Diabetes and Periodontal Disease?

If you have diabetes, regular periodontal evaluations are crucial for maintaining both your oral health and your overall well-being. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease can make a significant difference in the long-term management of both your gums and your blood sugar.

At Park Cities Periodontics, we offer a comprehensive periodontal evaluation to assess your gum health and identify any signs of periodontal disease. If treatment is needed, we have a range of options, including scaling and root planing, and other advanced treatments to eliminate the infection and promote healing. By addressing your periodontal health, we can help you regain control over your blood sugar and protect your overall health.

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Healthy Gums, Healthy Body

If you are among the nearly 16 million Americans living with diabetes, or if you are at risk for periodontal disease, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomlin or Dr. Bowers. Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan to address any existing periodontal issues and help you maintain healthy gums, which can contribute to a healthier body and better diabetes control.

Periodontal health is an essential component of overall systemic health, not simply a matter of appearance. Healthy gums contribute meaningfully to a healthier body.

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Phone: (214) 522-9700

Fax: (214) 522-8181


Address: Preston Commons, East Tower

8115 Preston Road, Suite 655
Dallas, Texas 75225

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