Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. New research reveals that several medical conditions or risk factors can exacerbate periodontal disease and vice versa. For example, the risk of periodontal disease is greater for smokers than nonsmokers. Patients with HIV and AIDS are more likely to develop rapidly destructive periodontal disease.
Diabetic patients are more prone to gum disease.
For diabetics, unchecked periodontal disease includes additional risks. Diabetics tend to have a high level of glucose in their bloodstream which can lead to glycosylated hemoglobin. This condition causes the blood vessels to narrow especially in the extremities. If gangrene or retinitis occur due to this narrowing of the blood vessels, limbs may need to be amputated and blindness can occur. This reduction allows for an improvement in the overall diabetic condition.