The human body is a complex system where everything is connected. Although I can As surprising as it may seem, periodontal disease is deeply linked to other ailments outside the mouth. Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and other conditions such as heart disease, accidents cerebrovascular and pathologies. However, one of the most important relations you have is with diabetes. Although the mechanism linking these two conditions not fully understood, it is proven that there is a relationship bidirectional between them. In this article, we will talk about the disease periodontal disease, diabetes and the relationship between them.
Periodontitis is one of the most common diseases affecting the population world. It is an inflammatory disease that consists of a colonization microbiological in the subgingival area (between the gums and the tooth), often caused by biofilm and tartar. This leads to bone loss and formation of pockets in the gums. In addition, the most common symptoms are swelling, bleeding of gums, dental pockets, dental mobility and in advanced stages, loss of teeth.
It is defined as a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels.
in blood or hyperglycemia. Also, it is divided into two types:
Type 1 diabetes: consists of an autoimmune response that leads to
to the destruction of insulin-producing β cells in the pancreas. Therefore,
results in the need for insulin injections to compensate for the lack of
due to low production.
Type 2 diabetes: corresponds to 90% of cases worldwide.
This type of diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which reduces the
ability of glucose to be transferred from the bloodstream to cells and
causes hyperglycemia.
Studies have shown that diabetes is directly associated with increased
prevalence and severity of periodontitis. patients with glucose levels
under control have a lower risk of periodontitis complications due to the
diabetes. However, poor glycemic control exponentially increases the
risk and extension of periodontitis up to 2-3 times.
Diabetes also slows the rate of mucosal wound healing, which
which prolongs the time it takes to recover from periodontitis. On the other hand,
it is also proven that severe periodontitis is associated with poor control
compromised glycemic. Studies have also shown a higher rate of
complications of diabetes, such as neuropathy and cardiovascular disease in
diabetic patients with periodontitis. In addition, moderate and severe periodontitis
can predict the onset of nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The actual mechanism linking the two diseases is not fully understood.
However, the most popular hypotheses state that both diseases could
share a common or similar origin, leading to susceptibility to
disease on the part of the host or to a direct causal relationship in which the
Diabetes triggers an inflammatory reaction in cells.
In conclusion, diabetes and periodontitis are common diseases throughout the world.
world.
As a diabetic patient, it is vital to understand the relationship between them. Furthermore, given
that normally does not hurt, periodontitis often goes unnoticed. Therefore,
Regular dental appointments are vital to prevent complications and maintain a
Healthy life.