CAN DIABETES AFFECT YOUR GUM HEALTH?

Yes — diabetes can affect your gum health. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, and gum disease can in turn make blood sugar harder to control. 1 in 3 people suffer from bleeding gums - and if you have diabetes, your risk may be greater.

Bleeding gums when you brush is one of the first signs of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Early gum problems can also result in redness, swelling, and bleeding, making it important to act early.

Maintaining the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can help manage your overall health.

HOW DOES DIABETES INCREASE YOUR RISK OF GUM PROBLEMS?

Living with diabetes, along with certain medications used for its treatment, can reduce saliva production. Saliva plays a protective role for teeth and gums, so a decrease in saliva can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay and other oral issues, such as tooth wear.

Diabetes can also increase the sugar (glucose) content in your saliva. This can feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, which combine with food to form plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink—especially sugary foods or drinks—bacteria use that sugar to grow and create plaque that helps them stick to your teeth. If not removed, plaque can accumulate and causes inflammation.

Gum problems can be caused by the build-up of plaque bacteria. If not removed, inflammation can spread to the gum socket holding the tooth, causing gum to recede and teeth to fall out.

Poor oral health and untreated mouth problems may lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Systemic health conditions, like diabetes, and gum disease are closely linked and may make each other worse.

WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE (GINGIVITIS)?

Gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, is caused by plaque build-up on teeth close to the gum margin.

One of the main causes of gum disease are the plaque bacteria that build up on the tooth surface and in between your teeth. If they are not removed by regular brushing and flossing they can irritate your gums, causing them to change colour and become swollen, and they may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. This stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If these early signs of gum disease are not treated, then it can eventually progress to the more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis, which is irreversible and can lead to tooth loss.

Signs of Gum Disease in People with Diabetes

If you have diabetes, watch for these warning signs:

  • Gum redness, swelling, and bleeding — early gum problems can result in these symptoms
  • Blood when brushing or flossing — if you see traces of blood when brushing or flossing, this can be a sign of gum disease
  • Bad breath — gum health problems can cause bad breath
  • Gum recession or tooth sensitivity — gum problems can lead to gum recession, a known cause of tooth sensitivity

Healthy gums don't bleed. If you notice any of these signs, speak to your dentist promptly.

WHAT TO DO TO AVOID GUM PROBLEMS

Regardless of what you think might be the cause of your bleeding gums, the best thing to do is speak to your dentist as soon as possible. They can investigate and advise on the best way to manage your gum problems.

There are also a number of simple steps you may wish to consider when it comes to managing bleeding gums – changes to your oral health routine that could help stop the problem becoming more serious. To work effectively, these steps should be followed every day, rather than just on occasions that you notice blood when you spit:

  1. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Use a manual or electric toothbrush with a small head and soft round bristles, paying particular attention to ensure you clean all the surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line.
  3. Floss or use interdental brushes to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas, like in between your teeth.
  4. Use a specialist gum care toothpaste. Corsodyl Active Gum Repair for bleeding gums is specially formulated for effective plaque removal and is clinically proven to help stop and prevent bleeding gums.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why are people with diabetes more prone to gum disease?

Diabetes can reduce saliva production and increase glucose levels in saliva, creating conditions that encourage plaque bacteria to thrive. Plaque build-up along the gum line is the main cause of gum problems.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Early gum problems can result in redness, swelling, and bleeding. If you see traces of blood when brushing or flossing, this can be a sign of gum disease. Gum health problems can also cause bad breath.

How can I prevent gum disease if I have diabetes?

Brush with a fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for routine check-ups. Using a specialist toothpaste like Corsodyl Active Gum Repair, which is specially formulated for effective plaque removal, can help as part of your daily oral care routine.

About Corsodyl: Corsodyl is a range of specialist gum care products designed to help maintain healthy gums. From Corsodyl — experts in gum health. [s]