Tuesday, February 2, 2010  |  
Understanding the Relationship between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Because diabetes negatively impacts the immune system's normal response to inflammation and wound healing, it can also wreak havoc in your mouth through periodontal (gum) disease. In fact, if left untreated, periodontal disease can cause bone loss and eventually the loss of teeth—regardless of whether or not you are diabetic. These reasons make it critical, especially if you are diabetic, pre-diabetic, or if diabetes runs in your family’s medical history—that you understand what periodontal disease is, its causes, and its relationship to your overall health.

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Comments

2 Comments
Suzanne said...

I have had diabetes for years and Dear Doctor is the first place I have ever heard about this. Thanks for sharing!

Posted February 8, 2010 4:55 pm
Doug said...

If you haven’t already, be sure to let your dentist know that you are diabetic. I have and now my dentist works with my doctor to care for my total health.

Posted February 8, 2010 5:59 pm

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