Diabetes – The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Write-up by P., Piero D.D.S.

Diabetes affects about 24 million Americans or about 8% of the population. It is a disease that is characterized by high levels of blood sugar caused by malfunctioning insulin production. An insulin resistant individual becomes diabetic when the pancreas can no longer put out sufficient insulin to lower the blood sugar and the organ becomes exhausted.

The pancreas is controlled by hormonal feedback mechanisms. Acute and chronic infections produce hormonal chaos in the body. Periodontal disease is the most widespread infectious disease on the planet, consequently provokes a wonderful deal of chaos.

The sugars found in the mouth aid in gum illness. The constant introduction and presence of sugar in the mouth (like a sippy cup with juice), feed the bacteria that leads to periodontal illness.

Blood vessels in a diabetic are also compromised. They thicken and slow the delivery of oxygen to the extremities. Likewise, they slow the removal of waste from these tissues. All of which lowers the defense to infection, such as periodontal infection.

A Dentistry Right now publication detailed the link between periodontal disease and diabetes. Those with diabetes have a lot more severe periodontal issues and those with the oral disease have a much more difficult time controlling their diabetes. The link is discovered in both adults and youngsters. About 50 percent of young children have periodontal illness according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University Medical Center. Sadly the symptoms of the disease are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. A dentist can diagnose the disease in the early stages, prior to parents realizing their kids have it. Therefore, it is critical that kids with diabetes receive normal oral check ups.

A study at the School of Dental Medicine at the University at Buffalo found that obesity is significantly related to periodontal illness by way of the pathway of insulin resistance. Sara Grossi, director of the UB Periodontal Disease Investigation Center and lead author of the study said, "Now we see a relationship between obesity, insulin resistance and periodontal illness in a large, population-based cohort. This relationship is significant simply because obesity is an critical risk factor for Kind 2 diabetes and heart disease." (http://www.sdm.buffalo.edu/news/20000408_obesity.html)

These days, adults and kids with diabetes have a much better chance of keeping this disease under control. Besides diet, it also takes diligence and thoroughness in oral wellness. 1 of the very best approaches to do that is by making use of the Dental Air Force program, which combines tooth brushing and flossing, by cleaning between teeth and around the gums. (http://www.dentalairforce.com)

About the Author

Dr. Piero is a practicing dentist and inventor of the Dental Air Force located in Holland, MI. The program combines tooth brushing, flossing and whitening. Employing air, water and dental cleaner, the home appliance power washes around teeth and gums. Go to http://www.dentalairforce.com for more info.