Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease: An Increased Risk

When you have diabetes, you are at greater risk for periodontal disease (infection of the gums and tissues supporting the teeth). Any periodontal disease you may develop can be more severe and harder to control. Preventing or controlling periodontal disease requires ongoing care.

Healthy gums with pink tissue and white teeth shown in dental illustration.

Removing plaque and tartar from teeth daily helps keep the gums healthy.

What Causes Gum Infections?

Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky, whitish film (plaque) on teeth. If plaque is not removed daily, it can harden into a rough yellow or brown deposit (tartar). Tartar is harder to remove from your teeth than plaque. Bacteria from plaque and tartar can cause swollen, infected, and receding gums. More severe gum and bone disease may then occur.

Illustration comparing healthy gums with plaque to receding gums with tartar buildup.

Bacteria from plaque and tartar can cause periodontal disease.

Prevention

Follow the guidelines below to help prevent periodontal disease.

Use good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth after each meal and floss daily. Don't forget to also brush your tongue. Your dentist may suggest special aids to help keep your teeth clean.
See your dentist regularly. Your dentist may want to see you every 3-4 months for exams and cleanings. How often you visit your dentist will depend on how severe your periodontal disease is. It may also depend on your plaque and tartar buildup, and how well you care for your teeth and gums. Tell your dentist if you have any problems controlling your blood sugar.
Control your blood sugar. Keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level will help control your diabetes. Doing so will also help your body fight infections and may lessen the severity of your periodontal disease. Take your diabetes medication as instructed.

Treatment

If you have periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest any of the treatment plans below.

Scaling and root planing. These techniques remove plaque and tartar from teeth, above and below the gumline. Scaling and root planing also help control gum and bone disease.
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are medications that kill bacteria. You may receive antibiotics as pills or in topical form (applied to the area).
Gum surgery. Gum surgery is a way to remove all deep deposits of plaque and tartar. It may be done for advanced infections that don't respond to other types of treatments.

Glick & Woods Dentistry is Tullahoma’s most popular dental experience since 1985. Please call us at 931.455.3917 or fill out our online Request an Appointment form to arrange your consultation.