There are over 24 million diabetics in the U.S., and another 57 million are teetering on the edge. Diabetics are at risk for developing or worsening their periodontitis (perio), a chronic dental inflammation that prevents their bodies from controlling their blood sugar levels.
Periodontitis destroys a tooth's surrounding support structures and can result in irreversible jawbone and tooth loss [X-ray shows healthy bone level vs jawbone bone loss]. We cannot yet cure perio; we can only manage it.
Like perio, diabetes is an inflammatory disease.
Over 80 percent of diabetics who have perio also show signs of developing heart disease and strokes, which are also inflammatory diseases. The oral infection uses your bloodstream to travel to other parts of your body.
Research is showing that type 2 diabetes and perio are locked into a relationship in which a poorly controlled diet provides sugars and carbohydrates to the bacteria associated with perio. When the inflammation in your mouth becomes more severe, your body overreacts to the acids produced by the bacteria. The chemicals produced by perio make your body more resistant to insulin and keep your blood sugar levels out of balance.
A healthy diet and good oral care can help break you out of that vicious cycle.
As you work with your physician to eat a healthy diet, we will help restore your dental health by treating your perio and regularly monitoring your progress.
Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.
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