The Connection Between Diabetes & Oral Health
Diabetes can affect your entire body, from your head down to your toes. But did you know it can potentially affect the condition of your mouth as well?
Diabetes can put you at an increased risk for issues associated with your heart, kidneys, and other organs in your body. But it can also affect your teeth, gum tissue, and bone.
Proper management of your diabetes is vital to good health overall and dental hygiene is an important part of that.
At Galleria of Smiles in Sand Springs, OK, we regularly work with diabetic patients to help them maintain good oral health. We are more than happy to be a part of your symptom management plan. Before you come in for a visit with us, learn more about the connection between diabetes and oral health. You just may be surprised by how closely related the two conditions are.
Understanding The Link Between Diabetes & Gum Disease
According to the American Diabetes Association, patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease than those without diabetes. If you’re living with diabetes, you are likely already aware that the condition makes you more susceptible to bacterial infections. Because your body has a harder time fighting infections, bad bacteria can get into your gums and wreak havoc on your mouth.
Additionally, as stated by the ADA, “the relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes is [a two-way street].”
Serious gum disease can potentially affect the ability to control blood glucose levels and add to the advancement of diabetes. Research has shown that diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing oral health problems, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease while periodontitis is the most serious form.
If you’re not properly controlling your blood glucose levels, you’re putting yourself at a higher risk of developing oral health problems. In addition to gum disease, you could face thrush and dry mouth. Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the growth of a fungus, while dry mouth can lead to ulcers, soreness, cavities, and infections.
All that being said, it’s all the more reason to maintain good dental hygiene habits as part of an overall regimen to take care of your health.
Preventing Gum Disease In Patients With Diabetes
When you visit Galleria of Smiles, make sure to keep us informed of your condition. We can work together to keep your mouth healthy and potentially avoid any further health complications.
Perhaps the most important task for patients with diabetes is controlling your blood glucose level.
You should also maintain good dental habits. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. You can also rinse once a day with an antiseptic mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay. See us at least twice a year for a checkup and teeth cleaning. If we feel it is necessary, we may want to see you more often.
If you wear dentures, remove them when you sleep and be sure to clean them daily.
If you’re a smoker, your oral health is another reason to give up the habit, as it can make gum disease even worse.
In between dental checkups, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to any changes you experience in your mouth. If you notice any soreness, discomfort, or bleeding, call our office and we will do everything we can to help you find relief.
Keep Your Teeth & Gums Healthy
At Galleria of Smiles in Sand Springs, OK, our patient’s health and happiness is our number one goal. We want to work with you to ensure you stay on the path of good health by maintaining your diabetes and oral health.
We take our time with each of our patients to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We’ll also closely monitor your symptoms to avoid potential dental issues. We’re here to help!
To learn more about the connection between diabetes and gum disease, or to schedule an appointment call us. You can also contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!
