Gum disease is associated with diabetes and some cardiovascular conditions, but an association does not prove that gum disease directly causes either one. The relationship with diabetes is especially important to discuss: diabetes can raise the risk of gum problems, and gum inflammation may make blood sugar harder to manage. Understanding these connections can help you bring useful questions to your dental and medical professionals without treating gum care as a substitute for medical care.
What the connection with diabetes means
Diabetes and periodontal disease can affect each other. People with diabetes, particularly when blood sugar is not well controlled, are more likely to develop gum disease. In turn, inflammation from periodontal disease may make blood glucose management more difficult for some people. This is a two-way relationship, not a guarantee that someone with diabetes will develop gum disease or that treating gum disease will control diabetes.
Share relevant health information with your dental professional, including a diabetes diagnosis and changes in your general health. If you have concerns about blood sugar or diabetes management, discuss them with the clinician responsible for that care.
What research says about heart health
Studies have found associations between periodontal disease and cardiovascular conditions. Shared risk factors and other influences may contribute to that relationship, and research has not established that gum disease directly causes heart disease. Maintaining gum health is worthwhile for oral health, but it should not be presented as a way to prevent or treat a heart condition.
Continue following guidance from your medical professional for cardiovascular risk and care. Tell that professional about relevant oral health concerns, and ask your dental professional how your medical history may matter to dental care.
Practical questions to bring to a dental visit
- What signs of gum inflammation or periodontal disease do you see?
- Could my medical history or current health conditions affect my gum health?
- What should I share with my medical professional about my oral health?
- How should I follow up if I notice changes in my gums?
For a Fort Myers-area reader, Viruet Periodontics, PLLC is a local periodontal practice. If you want to discuss gum health in the context of your medical history, use the Viruet Periodontics, PLLC website to find practice information and take a next step. Keep your medical professional involved in questions about diabetes or heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does gum disease cause heart disease?
Research has found an association between periodontal disease and some cardiovascular conditions, but it has not established that gum disease directly causes heart disease. Gum care is not a substitute for cardiovascular care from a medical professional.
Can diabetes affect gum health?
Yes. People with diabetes, particularly when blood sugar is not well controlled, are more likely to develop gum disease. Periodontal inflammation may also make blood glucose management more difficult for some people, though this does not happen in every case.
What should I tell my dental professional about my health?
Share relevant health information, including a diabetes diagnosis and changes in your general health. Ask whether your medical history may matter to your gum health or dental care.
Where is Viruet Periodontics, PLLC located?
Viruet Periodontics, PLLC is at 34 Barkley Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33907. Its website is https://dentalimplants-fortmyers.com/.
Business features on this publication may be part of marketing services. A business reference does not mean the article is a personal visit, an independent review, or written or reviewed by the featured clinician.