According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), over 37 million Americans are living with diabetes, and nearly 1 in 5 of those individuals have severe periodontal disease.
Uncontrolled glucose levels can triple an individual’s risk of developing periodontitis, and inflammation in the body can lead to higher blood glucose levels. This bidirectional relationship and its potential impact on oral health have been recognized as an extreme risk factor when diagnosing periodontal disease. Therefore, in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, diabetic patients are encouraged to maintain optimal oral health to reduce the risk of periodontitis.
It is imperative to practice good home care with brushing and flossing, as well as maintaining professional cleaning maintenance visits two to four times per year to reduce inflammation and bleeding.
