Annapolis Dentist

Annapolis MD Dentist | The Periodontal Disease – Diabetes Connection

Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Besides blood sugar control, diabetes includes a number of other health complications. Recent studies have suggested that there is a two-way connection between diabetes and periodontal (gum) disease. Patients with gum disease have increased risk of other diabetic complications and patients with diabetes are more prone to developing gum disease.

Gum disease causes inflammation in the body, which can make controlling blood sugar more difficult for diabetic patients. Severe periodontal disease has even been shown to increase blood sugar, which can raise the risk of additional diabetic complications.

Patients with diabetes are more prone to infections in general. This is especially true for patients whose diabetes is not well controlled. Diabetic patients with poor blood sugar control are more likely to develop gum disease, to have a more severe case, and to lose more teeth from gum disease.

Diabetic patients are more prone to other oral health issues, such as dry mouth or thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth). Reduced saliva production or infection in the mouth can increase risks of developing periodontal disease as well.

Smoking can escalate these risks even further. Studies have shown that smokers are 5 times more likely than non-smokers to develop gum disease, overall. Diabetic smokers age 45 or older have been found to be 20 times more likely to develop severe gum disease.

Fortunately, when diabetes and blood sugar are well-controlled, the risks of periodontal disease and other oral health complications are no different than for patients without diabetes.

Be sure to let us know if you have diabetes and how well-controlled it is. We may need to discuss your medication schedule when planning treatments or to postpone a treatment if your blood sugar is not controlled. Keep in mind that healing from treatment can take longer for diabetic patients, even when blood sugar is well-controlled.

If you have questions or concerns about your risk of periodontal disease with diabetes, contact our office for more information.

Dentist in Annapolis

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Patton Smiles

104 Forbes St. Suite 204
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 295-1000

Providing Dental Care For the Communities of:

Annapolis, Admiral Heights, West Annapolis, Loretta Heights, Eastport, Forest Villa & surrounding areas

Convenient Office Hours:

Monday: 7:00am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: By Appointment only

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  • America Dental Association
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Dental Society of Anesthesiology: ADSA
  • Maryland State Dental Association

Annapolis, MD Dentist

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Dentist in Annapolis

I am very pleased that I found Patton Smiles. My husband and I have received outstanding care and the staff is wonderful! We never have to wait when we have an appointment and all of the staff are very professional and caring. The office is immaculate. I highly recommend this dental practice.

Priscilla P. Admiral Heights, MD Dental Patient

Dentist in Annapolis

I’ve been seeing Dr Patton for several years, he is always smiling and will go above and beyond to help with your needs. The staff is amazing and always helpful. I would and have recommended Patton Smiles to several of my friends who also go there.

Nancy M.

Dentist in Annapolis

By far the best dentist office, service and staff in all of Maryland!! Dr. Patton is great and passionate about his work. The staff is so kind and pleasant to deal with. I’ve referred everyone I know here!

Elaine E.

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104 Forbes Street
Suite 204
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 295-1000