If you suffer from diabetes, your teeth may be in danger. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we often do full-mouth restorations on people who need all their teeth replaced. But restorations are easier when patients still have stable jaw bone material, which is why we want our diabetic patients to be on-guard against periodontal disease.
People with diabetes are prone to experience chronic inflammation. Their arteries thicken, making it more difficult for their blood to deliver nutrients and immune agents to locations of infections. Consequently, diabetic people have a more difficult time fighting off gum pocket infections and have higher rates of gingivitis and periodontal disease than the general population. At its most extreme, periodontal disease causes gum and bone tissue to recede, leaving the teeth vulnerable to falling out.
Some evidence has emerged that gum disease may also make it harder for patients to regulate their blood sugar level, worsening other symptoms of diabetes. However, treatment of periodontal disease is associated with improved health. Regular oral hygiene and professional cleanings can help diabetic patients to avoid gum infections, and avoiding smoking can prevent inflammation. If a patient has diabetes, it may be possible for them to get implants, but they will still need to be especially vigilant about their oral hygiene.
Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.
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