Diabetes is characterized by too much glucose (or sugar) in the blood.  Type II diabetics are unable to regulate insulin levels which means excess glucose stays in the blood.  Type I diabetics usually produce no insulin at all.  Diabetes is a serious condition which can lead to heart disease and stroke.

It is well documented that people who suffer from diabetes are more susceptible to developing infections than non-diabetes sufferers.  It is therefore understandable that diabetics have an increased incidence of periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes particularly when the diabetes is not under proper control.

Experts suggest the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease can worsen both conditions if either condition is not properly controlled.

Reasons for Concern:

• Increased blood sugar – Untreated periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.
• Blood vessel thickening – Microvascular changes are a hallmark of many diabetic complications.  The structural changes that
  characterize diabetic vessel disease are responsible for a decrease in tissue healing elements available for repair.
  
• Pre-Diabetes – Research has shown having periodontal diseases can influence prediabetes and contribute to the progression of diabetes. They found that having periodontal disease can cause someone to develop prediabetic characteristics and probably disturb the glucose regulation of a non-diabetic who has prediabetic characteristics

It is of paramount importance for people suffering from any type of diabetes to see the dentist at least twice yearly for checkups and professional cleanings.  Studies have shown that simple non-surgical periodontal treatments can lower the HbA1c (hemoglobin molecule blood test) count by as much as 20% in a six month period.

Dr. Suway and Dr. Toscano use medical history, family history and dental X-rays to assess the risk factors for periodontal disease and determine the exact condition of the gums, teeth and underlying jawbone.  When necessary, he will work in conjunction with other doctors to ensure that both the diabetes and the gum disease are being managed and controlled as effectively as possible.

If you have questions or concerns about diabetes or periodontal disease, please feel free to call the office.

Jenkintown Periodontics & Dental Implants, LLC
Dr. Neal B. Suway, Dr. Jeremy Toscano, and Dr. Natalie Amoa
Dental Implants, Cosmetic and Laser Periodontics
261 Old York Road Suite 319
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone: (215) 887-6060

Convenient to Philadelphia, Abington, Willow Grove, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Horsham, Warminster, and Hatboro