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Diabetes is a disease which is as complex in its origins as it is in the complications it brings about. From your heart, to your kidneys, your eyes and even your nervous system there’s barely a part of your body diabetes leaves untouched if mismanaged. To add to this already bludgeoning string of ailments is periodontal disease. As the name suggests, periodontal literally translates into ‘around your teeth’ and is a chronic bacterial infection that plagues your gums and the bone which supports your teeth. How ever, this ailment is as two-toned as diabetes, not just resulting as an outcome of the disease, but also interfering in the process of diabetes management on the whole. Thus, even as the hapless diabetic grapples with periodontal disease, this infection is further wrecking his management program, making it even harder for him to keep his condition in control.

Periodontal disease first sets in with gum inflammation, which is caused by the bacteria which develop in the plaque on your teeth. This inflammation can then spread from one tooth to another, if not checked in time especially in cases where the victim suffers from diabetes as well. This is partially because of the high glucose levels in the blood stream, which provide ample nourishment for the bacteria to thrive. Diabetes also thickens the blood-carrying veins in your body, thus impairing the circulation of blood, which starves your teeth of oxygen and nourishment, thereby weakening their ability to fight disease.

Like most other forms of infection, periodontal disease has distinct phases of development, developing into the more mature phases quickly and surreptitiously when given the opportunity to do so. The first stage, where the bacterial infection affects the gums and aggravates them is known as Gingivitis. This phase is relatively easy to overcome and can be dealt with by simply brushing and flossing everyday while also getting your teeth regularly cleaned by your dentist. On the other hand, if these basic measures are not followed, the disease soon proceeds to its next phase, which is a far more difficult one to correct.

Here, the plaque on your teeth grows hard and tough, depositing under your gums until they lead your tissue to pull away from your teeth, thus creating ‘pockets’ of infection. This form of concentrated damage afflicts the bone which fastens your teeth and can, over a period of time, lead to tooth loss. This phase, which is called periodontitis, rapidly develops from the initial Gingivitis stage and is barely imperceptible on account of lack of symptoms at the nascent levels. Tooth pain and wobbly teeth, which are the first palpable signs, are also indications that the disease has progressed to a secondary level and requires immediate attention. to ensure early diagnosis, if you find that your bleeding and inflammation do not stop even after you have complied with all the basic procedures, bring the matter to your dentist’s attention at once. You can also refer to a periodontist for a more specialized prognosis of your condition at this phase.

Treating periodontitis involves loosening the plaque and infected tissue off your teeth and gums, so that your healthy gum tissue can re-attach itself to your teeth. This treatment is only successful if you follow it up with regular brushing or flossing, else your periodontist will need to surgically operate your gums and thus try to rid your teeth of the infection. This process, though painful and tedious plays a very critical role in saving your teeth, without which, the only recourse available to you is to extract the tooth to prevent the infection from spreading to other, unaffected teeth.

Diabetics need to go the extra mile with discussing their diabetes treatment and control with the dentist, as periodontal treatment may require insulin and meal schedule adjustments. A wiser option would be to have your physician confer with your dentist before treatment is meted out, so that any unforeseen complications do not arise from contradictory patterns of treatment. If your diabetes is poorly controlled and your glucose levels wayward, your dentist may even recommend that you put off your treatment until your diabetes is in better shape, as this could pose a significant impediment in both the treatment of your periodontal disease and recovery.

Diabetes also hampers the healing process making it a lot longer than otherwise, especially if you neglect your post-treatment care. The best way to tackle periodontal disease is to curb it, even before it reaches the stage of periodontitis by adhering to the simple guidelines that your dentist lays out for you. Although diabetes may seem to be a harbinger of nothing but diseases and complications, a huge majority of these can be averted simply by keeping your diabetes under control. And so, if you’re still among those that let their diabetes get the better of them, it’s time to grab the reins yourself. Before you know it, you’ll be privy to the myriad avenues life has to offer, with your diabetes management program rendered to just another part of your daily regime that has unconsciously become a way of life for you!