Treating diabetic gum disease saves costs

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Providing diabetics with gum disease treatments such as cleanings and periodontal scaling lowers medical costs by up to 12 percent, U.S. researchers say.

Study leader George Taylor of the University of Michigan says that in periodontal disease, the body reacts to the bacteria causing the gum infection by producing proteins or chemicals called inflammatory mediators.

Ulcers and open sores in the gums become passageways for these proteins and for the bacteria themselves to enter the body's blood circulation. These inflammatory mediators, as well as some parts of the bacteria, prevent the body from effectively removing glucose, or sugar, from the blood.

The higher level of blood sugar is known as poor diabetes control. Poor diabetes control leads to serious diabetes complications such as vision disorders, cardiovascular and kidney disease and amputations, among others, Taylor says.

"Cleanings and other non-surgical periodontal treatment remove the harmful bacteria," Taylor says in a statement. "We believe this helps prevent the body from producing those harmful chemicals that can enter the systemic circulation and contribute to poorer diabetes control."