Posted by Nishano Thomas on May 7 2023, 09:50 PM
Diabetes is a condition that interferes with the body's ability to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. It can lead to high blood sugar (glucose) levels. This can affect many areas of the body, including the teeth and gums.
People with diabetes are more likely to have oral health complications than people who don't have diabetes. This is because gum disease, dry mouth, and other oral infections affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of other diabetic complications.
It's important to maintain good oral hygiene habits when you have diabetes because poor oral health can seriously impact your overall health and quality of life. The condition of your mouth can also indicate whether or not you're properly managing your diabetes.
Maintaining a healthy diet is also important for people with diabetes — not only for regulating your blood glucose levels but for preventing the development of gum disease as well. In fact, regular brushing and flossing remove plaque buildup that can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up in the mouth from food particles. Although it's not harmful by itself, it can promote the growth of harmful bacteria that lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
If you're concerned about how diabetes affects your oral health, be sure to talk to your dentist about how to take care of your teeth. They may recommend more frequent cleanings to remove plaque buildup, or he or she may recommend a specific toothpaste or other treatment to help maintain the health of your gums.
Don't forget to keep up with your regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can help you learn how to manage your diabetes and your oral health at the same time!
Gum disease is an oral infection that can progress quickly, particularly if a patient has diabetes. Patients who have diabetes are at a higher risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream through the gums and causing further health problems.
Common symptoms of gum disease include the following:
If you notice any of these symptoms in your teeth or gums, it's important to seek dental care as soon as possible. These symptoms are warning signs that the infection isn't being controlled and could lead to serious complications. Talk to your dentist if you're experiencing these symptoms so that they can help diagnose and treat the infection before it gets out of control.
Frequent dry mouth caused by diabetes can lead to other problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day and using a fluoride rinse can help to keep your smile healthy. If you have dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before putting them back in the next morning. This will help prevent any infections from forming.
Maintaining proper dental hygiene is especially important for people who are living with diabetes since it can make it more difficult for your body to heal after an infection. This makes severe oral conditions much more dangerous if they don't receive immediate treatment.
Schedule an appointment with South Friendswood Dental Associates for comprehensive oral care. We are located at 699 S Friendswood Dr., Suite #108, Friendswood, TX 77546. Contact us at (281) 482-7731 or visit our website to book an appointment.
