Diabetes and Gum Disease Guide: Caring for Blood Sugar and Periodontal Treatment Together
Diabetes and gum disease can make each other worse. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA, 질병관리청) explains that people with diabetes have more severe destruction of periodontal tissue and a higher prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, and that, conversely, inflammation from periodontal disease makes metabolic control harder. It is good to look after blood sugar and gums together, and to tell the dentist first about diabetes and the medicines you take at each dental visit.
Key facts
| Periodontal disease in people with diabetes | More severe periodontal tissue destruction and higher prevalence and severity (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
|---|---|
| Two-way effect | Gum inflammation makes metabolic control harder, and when sugar is not controlled, periodontitis can become more severe (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
| Periodontal treatment and blood sugar | There are reports that blood sugar control improved after periodontal treatment, but this is disputed (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
| What to tell the dentist before scaling | Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
| Obesity | A body mass index of 30 or higher raises the likelihood of periodontal disease (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
Why does gum disease get worse when you have diabetes?
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar. The KDCA explains that when sugar is not controlled, periodontitis can become more severe, and that periodontal tissue destruction appears more severely in people with diabetes.
The KDCA also lists diabetes, along with hormonal changes such as puberty and pregnancy, as a factor that affects gum inflammation separately from plaque. This means that even with the same amount of tartar, a person with poor blood sugar control may see their gums worsen faster.
The KDCA explains that periodontal disease and diabetes share risk factors such as smoking, a diet high in sugar, alcohol, stress and overweight. That is why changing lifestyle habits helps both blood sugar and the gums.
Does gum inflammation also affect blood sugar?
The KDCA explains that when periodontal disease is present, the inflammation makes metabolic control harder. This means the two diseases influence each other.
There are reports that blood sugar control improved after periodontal treatment, but the KDCA states that this point is disputed. Gum treatment does not replace diabetes treatment, and diabetes medicine and diet and exercise management must continue as the treating doctor instructs.
What should I tell the dentist if I have diabetes?
The KDCA advises telling the dentist before scaling if blood sugar is not under control, and explains that additional advice or action from your doctor may be needed. Bringing notes on the following information helps in planning gum care.
- When diabetes was diagnosed and your recent blood sugar control
- Diabetes medicine or insulin you take, and other medicines
- Whether you have ever had low blood sugar
- Other chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease
- Whether you take blood-thinning medicine
How often should gums be checked if I have diabetes?
If you have diabetes and have had gum treatment, the dentist sets the interval within the 3 to 6 month maintenance range that the KDCA recommends. If blood sugar control is unstable or there are many bleeding sites, the interval tends to be shorter.
At home, clean between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes at least once a day, and if gum bleeding or swelling keeps recurring, it is good to see the dentist even before the regular checkup date. Also let your internal medicine doctor know at regular visits that you are being treated for gum disease.
What should be considered before extractions or implants?
The KDCA advises that if you have a systemic disease such as diabetes, you should decide with your dentist whether to have a wisdom tooth removed. For implants, it explains that diabetes interferes with wound healing, so blood sugar control is needed.
Treatments that create wounds, such as gum surgery, extractions and implants, are best planned for a time when blood sugar is stable. Once a date is set, tell your regular doctor as well and confirm whether any medication adjustment is needed. The KDCA explains that before wisdom tooth extraction, the presence of systemic disease is also assessed by inspection, history and palpation, so telling the dentist about diabetes without hiding it is the starting point for safe treatment.
Common myths and facts
Myth: If I take my diabetes medicine well, I don't need to worry about my gums.
Even when blood sugar is controlled, gum disease develops if plaque and tartar build up. Brushing, interdental cleaning and regular checkups should go together.
Myth: Getting gum treatment cures diabetes.
The KDCA explains that there are reports of improved blood sugar control after periodontal treatment, but this is disputed. Gum treatment does not replace diabetes treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have scaling if I have diabetes?
Yes. However, if blood sugar is not under control, you must tell the dentist before scaling, and your doctor's opinion may be needed. People with diabetes are prone to more severe gum disease, so regular scaling is all the more important.
Do people with diabetes get more insurance-covered scaling sessions?
Insured scaling under National Health Insurance is once a year for ages 19 and over, regardless of diabetes. If 3 to 6 month care is needed, ask the dentist whether additional visits are covered, depending on the treatment.
My gums bleed often. Is it related to blood sugar?
The KDCA explains that when sugar is not controlled, periodontitis can become more severe. If gum bleeding recurs, get a dental exam and also check your blood sugar status with your regular doctor.
Is gum surgery difficult if I have diabetes?
It is not impossible, but the surgery schedule and wound healing may vary with blood sugar status. Share your internal medicine records and recent blood sugar readings with the dentist. The KDCA also advises that for implant surgery, diabetes interferes with wound healing, so blood sugar control is needed.
Is obesity also related to gum disease?
The KDCA explains that a body mass index of 30 or higher raises the likelihood of periodontal disease, and that overweight, weight gain and larger waist circumference have also been reported as risk factors. Weight management helps both blood sugar control and gum health.
Related topics
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Smoking and Gum Disease
- Gum Maintenance Interval
- Gum Surgery