[Health Tip] Diabetes Can Worsen Gums... "Proper Toothbrushing Is Important"

Medical experts indicate that diabetes can be a cause of gum disease. Proper tooth brushing is important for preventing periodontal diseases, including gum disease.

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According to Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital, periodontal disease refers to inflammation in the periodontal tissues such as the gums and alveolar bone surrounding the teeth. It mainly occurs when food debris accumulated on the tooth surface is not properly managed in time, leading to the proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity. Additionally, complex factors such as smoking, systemic diseases, stress, genetics, and nutritional status influence the inflammatory response and act as risk factors for periodontal disease. Persistent inflammation can progress to periodontitis, which destroys periodontal tissues and may result in tooth loss.

Professor Hong Ji-yeon of the Department of Periodontology at Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital warned, "The hyperglycemic state in diabetes causes glycation and oxidation of proteins and lipids, leading to the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are responsible for various complications. Diabetes can promote the inflammatory response of periodontitis and cause absorption of the alveolar bone, worsening gum health."

Conversely, there are reports that periodontitis can worsen diabetes and its complications. Professor Hong explained, "In severe cases of periodontitis, inflammatory substances or bacterial products increase in the inflamed oral area and spread systemically through the bloodstream, interfering with insulin action and potentially exacerbating metabolic disorders caused by diabetes."

However, most dental treatments can be safely performed if blood sugar is properly controlled, even in diabetic patients. Even if blood sugar is not well controlled, dental treatment can be received by stabilizing blood sugar through collaboration with internal medicine. Professor Hong advises that if severe periodontitis accompanies diabetes, treating and preventing periodontal disease is important not only for improving oral health but also for aiding blood sugar control.

Professor Hong emphasized, "Many people think that after receiving gum treatment for periodontitis, it is completely cured and can return to the previous state, or that once treated, there is no need to visit the dentist again until problems recur. Periodontitis is a chronic disease, and once periodontal tissues are destroyed, they cannot be restored, so regular check-ups and scaling are necessary for consistent maintenance."

Proper tooth brushing is important not only for diabetic patients but also for those with periodontitis. If the gums are weak, an effective brushing method is to place the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the boundary between the teeth and gums, and gently move them in short, soft vibrations to remove food debris.

Professor Hong advised, "When choosing a toothbrush, a head size that covers 2 to 3 teeth is appropriate, and depending on the gum condition, a medium or soft bristle toothbrush should be selected. It is also good to use auxiliary tools such as dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between the teeth."

Professor Hong Ji-yeon, Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital.
[Photo by Kyung Hee Medical Center]

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