Diabetics Are Vulnerable to Experiencing Bleeding Gums, Here’s the Explanation
Bleeding gums is a condition that indicates inflammation that occurs in the gums. In addition to gingivitis, this condition is often associated with diabetes. Is it true that diabetes can cause bleeding gums? Check out the full explanation below.
The Relationship between Bleeding Gums and Diabetes
Bleeding gums or inflammation of the gums is a mouth problem that can happen to anyone, both diabetics and non-diabetics. This condition that occurs occasionally can generally be overcome by maintaining oral hygiene.
However, if it continues continuously, bleeding gums can be a sign of a serious health problem, one of which is diabetes. How are these related?
According to American Diabetes Association, Saliva functions to protect the mouth from dryness, accumulation of food debris and bacteria, and prevents tooth decay.
Also Read: Diabetics are prone to bad breath, what causes it?
However, if you have diabetes, your body tends to produce less saliva; which means that the protection provided by saliva becomes even more limited.
Diabetes occurs when sugar levels in the blood are high. The condition of high sugar levels in the blood can cause a buildup of sugar in the saliva.
This condition can lead to the growth of bacteria which then joins with the leftovers to form plaque. If left untreated, this condition can lead to gum disease.
If this problem does not go away or appears frequently, this could be caused by bacteria that continue to grow in the gums due to high blood sugar levels. This means that bleeding gums can be a sign of diabetes.
Also Read: Urgent! Here are 6 Vitamins for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Symptoms of Bleeding Gums
Apart from the pain caused, several other symptoms that can accompany bleeding gums include:
- Red and swollen gums.
- There is space between the teeth.
- Mouth feels dry
- Ulcer
- Persistent bad breath, even after you brush your teeth.
If you experience bleeding gums, you should immediately go to the dentist to get further treatment. This is also useful for preventing the risk of a worse infection, such as tooth loss and other complications in the future.
- Anonymous. Diabetes and Gum Disease: A Two-Way Street. https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/diabetes-gum-disease-risk. (Accessed January 25, 2023)
- Anonymous. 2022. Diabetes, Gum Disease, & Other Dental Problems.https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/gum-disease-dental-problems. (Accessed January 25, 2023)
- Dansinger, Michael. 2021. Diabetes and Mouth Problems: What You Should Know. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-oral-health. (Accessed January 25, 2023)
- Jurtshuk, Peter. Bacterial Metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7919/. (Accessed January 25, 2023)
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