Dentist Questions Diabetes

Is bleeding of gums dangerous for a diabetic patient?

I am 32 years old and I am diabetic for the last 3 years. Off late I am experiencing bleeding from my gums everyday when I brush. Is it a warning sign of something serious? Can diabetes and gum bleeding be related to each other?

23 Answers

Gums (gingival tissue) can bleed due to bacterial presence. Without a dental cleaning, any patient may experience gum bleeding because of bacteria. Diabetic patients are prone to bleeding due to the higher sugar level in their blood, which means higher food for bacteria, thus needing more frequent cleaning.
Bleeding gums is often a sign of periodontal disease. It is not specifically related to diabetes. This needs to be treated asap to prevent further bone loss and accumulation of aggressive bacteria in your mouth. This is true for all patients whether they have an underlying medical condition or not
Yes, if you have diabetes, you are at much greater risk for gum disease. If you have poorly controlled diabetes and untreated gum disease, this may make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level, and this increases the risk for complications of diabetes.
Great question. Yes, Type 2 Diabetes and gum bleeding are very related. Diabetics routinely have high inflammation in their bodies, which affects many things, including healing ability and immune responses to infections. Gingivitis and periodontitis are both inflammatory responses (immune system reacting, or over-reacting) to germs infecting the gums, other irritants bothering the gums, etc. Very recent research has now proven that Type 2 Diabetes is a fully reversible condition (3 known ways of reversing and curing it). Once the inflammatory hyperactivity that comes along with diabetes is controlled, then the gums will have a much better chance of staying healthy, with gentle regular flossing and brushing.
Diabetics have a higher rate of gum disease and infection due to reduced ability to heal properly. Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease. You should be evaluated by your dentist. Early treatment and proper maintenance of your gums is your best chance to keep your teeth healthy.
Diabetes and gum disease have a symbiotic relationship. What I mean by that is diabetes can make you susceptible to gum disease and gum disease can raise your blood sugar and your need for insulin or whatever pharmaceuticals you are taking. You should inform both your dentist and your physician that you are having this issue since this can be a serious problem for you.

SCOTT M DUBOWSKY DMD FAGD
Certainly. Diabetes and gum disease affect each other. Get to a dentist ASAP and have this treated and practice good oral hygiene- floss daily and see your dentist every 3 months for a cleaning after the gum disease is under control and your diabetes problem will show improvement. Getting cleanings every 3 months could actually help you reduce the number of medications you need for diabetes. You must control carbohydrate intake and eat less and become more active. This is not medical advice, it is only my opinion.
Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, healthy gums do not bleed when brushing or flossing. It is very common for diabetics to suffer from gum disease and require more in-depth and frequent teeth cleanings.
No, it is not more dangerous, but it may be a secondary symptom of increased blood sugar compromising your ability to fight off otherwise harmless bacteria. If you feel concerned about this, check with your physician and have your blood sugar levels checked.
Bleeding gums is a sign of something serious - gum disease (periodontal disease, periodontitis). Bleeding gums can also be a sign of leukemia - but unlikely. Bleeding gums and diabetes are related. Gum disease is usually worse in diabetics and gum disease can make diabetes worse. You should start be seeing a dentist for a diagnosis of your problem.
Yes, being diabetic makes it much more important to get your teeth cleaned at regular intervals. You are more susceptible to periodontal disease, which will cause more problems related to your diabetes.
Yes, furthermore it is dangerous for your heart and could cause a stroke.
Bleeding is never normal. Red should always signal "warning". Diabetes is linked to gum disease, especially if it is not regulated well. Please seek professional advice clinically to avoid disease progression and possibly tooth loss and other health related issues.
Yes, as a diabetic, you are at a higher risk for periodontal (gum/bone) disease. Bleeding gums is not normal and means there is bacteria and toxic waste under your gums causing inflammation. You could also have bone loss which creates a pocket where more infection can develop. Eventually, you will lose your teeth due to this bone loss.  Get to your dentist so they can measure your bone levels and assess the health of your gums. Typically, we recommend our diabetic patients to have their teeth cleaned every 3 months because they are at such a high risk for developing periodontal disease. Hope that information helps.   
Eric Buck
Good day

Diabetic is a risk factor for gum disease, but it is NOT the cause of it. First, let's find out why is the gum bleeding? Because there's inflammation. Why is there inflammation? Because there are bacteria (plaque) present. Many people when they see their gum is bleeding when brushing, they will tend to avoid touching that area, this is not a correct concept. Bacteria will just build up more and more, the gum will always be inflamed, and the gum will never get better.

My advice is visit a dentist and get a proper cleaning done, and then make sure you brush properly at home (by properly, I mean brush one to two teeth at a time and move in a sequence so that you know you've covered ALL the surfaces of all the teeth.) You shouldn't feel any roughness with your tongue after you brush, the teeth should be very smooth.

The bleeding gum will get better within two weeks time, if you can improve the oral hygiene.

Kind regards
Dr Chun- I Lee
Bleeding is a sign of disease. Diabetics have impaired healing mechanisms and are prone to infection, therefore bleeding gums is a significant problem with diabetic patients - the etiology is bacteria and the disease process must be arrested before it progresses to produce bone loss and premature tooth loss.

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Dr. Robert Castracane
Bleeding gums are always a concern. They can be a warning sign of something more serious. As a diabetic, you are at extra risk for infections. I would get in to see a dentist as soon as you can.
To evaluate your problem the x-rays need to be taken, evaluated. It's a common problem with diabetics that needs to be treated and maintained in the office.
Diabetic patient absolutely are more at risk for gingivitis as well as periodontal disease. Your bleeding gums are telling you that there is inflammation. I would definitely seek a dentist for a thorough cleaning and exam and step up your oral hygiene to include use of an ADA approved mouthrinse. Remember that good oral health is linked to good overall health.
Bleeding of the gums is never ok. In particular, diabetic patient are at increased risk of infections. Whenever bleeding is present there is concern that an infection of some sort is present. It is strongly suggested that you see your dental professional for an evaluation.
Bleeding gums is never a good sign. It could be a sign of Gingivitis and/or periodontitis (gum disease). Diabetes can contribute to gum disease as well. Please check with a dentist for treatment options.
Bleeding as you described is likely a result of advanced gingivitis and a precursor to periodontal disease. The bleeding comes from the irritation of puffy and swollen gum tissue that has not been properly stimulated with dental floss on a daily basis. If your gums bleed when you brush it's an indication that thorough hygiene is not being practiced. Have your dentist or hygienist instruct you on the proper technique of using dental floss and make it a regular part of your oral hygiene regiment.
Diabetes and gum disease are definitely related. Diabetes is the third leading factor in getting gum disease. Gum disease is an infection and diabetics do not fight infection as well as a non-diabetic individual. Bleeding is a sign of gum disease. You should go to a dentist for a professional cleaning and it is more important for a diabetic to floss daily than a non-diabetic person.