High blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels and the nerves supplying the different parts of the body, resulting in sensory problems and poor blood circulation. If your high blood sugar levels are left uncontrolled, diabetes will begin to damage important organs in the body like the eyes (diabetic retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), heart (cardiovascular disease like hypertension and atherosclerosis), and liver (fatty liver disease). All these organ problems will result in systemic complications.

You may not know this, but high blood sugar levels can also do extensive damage to your oral health. One such oral complication caused by diabetes is periodontal disease or gum disease.

What is a Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums caused by an infection that affects not only the gums but the bones as well. This disease is exacerbated by diabetes and other chronic illnesses like atherosclerosis. Symptoms of periodontal disease include painful gums, swollen and bleeding gums, sensitive and lose teeth, bad breath or halitosis, mouth ulcers, tooth decay, and receding gums.

Diabetes, although it can exacerbate periodontal disease, can also cause it as well. This is because of the chronic inflammation associated diabetes that damages cells and prevents the tissues from healing properly.

Diabetes also causes microvascular changes in the blood vessels supplying the mouth, resulting in poor blood circulation and poor wound healing. Since diabetes also affects the nerves supplying the mouth, oral paresthesia or painful, burning sensation in the mouth can develop.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

To avoid the risk of developing periodontal disease, you need to control your blood sugar levels as well as maintain a proper oral hygiene. So start on a healthy diet, avoid sweets and carbs, and exercise for at least 30 minutes of moderate activities each day.

For good oral hygiene, brush your teeth properly and regularly (thrice a day after every meal), floss between your teeth (once a day), and avoid nicotine and alcohol. It’s also important that you visit your doctor and dentist for regular checkups.