Our mouth can be a window to the general health condition of our body. Many studies point to this fact. Good oral health has been linked to a general healthy feeling. At the same time, poor oral health has been found to be linked to a myriad of poor health conditions and diseases. Diabetes is one such condition.

Does Poor Oral Health Cause Diabetes?

When oral hygiene is poor, cavities are caused. We are aware that cavities harbour bacteria. It is estimated that over 700 different species of bacteria are found in the dental cavities. As a result of the presence of these bacteria, inflammation occurs. As a natural mechanism, the body triggers an immune response to control the inflammation. So an unregulated inflammation produces an unregulated autoimmune response. Bleeding of gums produces tiny injuries. Bacteria can enter into these tiny injuries and can spread to settle in various places of the body. As a result, an immune response is triggered. When this happens more often, the healthy tissues are also destroyed most times. So when gum diseases have progressed, they lead to periodontitis, a severe form of the gum disease.

As a parallel response, whenever the body is facing increased immunity-compromised conditions, some biochemical compounds are produced by the body. They trigger increased autoimmunity and the cycle continuous. When this cycle repeats the body develops insulin resistance and as a result diabetes manifests. They become worse if not attended to. It is interesting to note that Diabetes and Periodontitis are autoimmune diseases.

Does Diabetes Cause Poor Oral Health?

Yes, the reverse is also true. In a diabetic patient, the infection never reduces but rather progresses gradually. People affected with severe diabetes are very susceptible to any infection and so gum infections also. The diabetic patients also have a decreased immune ability to fight off the bacterial infection. This enters into a vicious cycle where the high blood sugar leads to uncontrolled gum infections. This uncontrolled gum infection leads to a higher blood sugar level. This chain needs to be broken or intercepted to achieve control.

Better Oral Care Fights Diabetes

So it is always better than people maintain their oral hygiene properly. The regular dental visit actually gives an opportunity to check if there is any mouth-related issue and take appropriate treatment. If you are diabetic, then it is imperative that you maintain your oral health with utmost importance.