Since it's Diabetes Awareness Month, we thought it would be helpful to educate patients on how oral health and diabetes are closely connected and what they can do to protect their dental health and overall well-being. Here's what you should know.
How Are Oral Health and Diabetes Linked?
Did you know that having diabetes makes you more susceptible to developing gum disease and vice versa? This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease and the inflammation that contributes to diabetes are the same and can move around the body through the bloodstream.
Gum disease is an infection of your teeth's foundation, gums, and bone. When the foundation is unhealthy, your teeth are at risk. Besides diabetes, gum disease also contributes to other systemic health concerns, such as:
- Heart disease
- Dementia
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Complications during pregnancy
Additional Oral Health Concerns for Patients with Diabetes
Besides susceptibility to gum disease, some other oral health concerns diabetic patients may need to worry about are:
- Dry mouth — Dry mouth sometimes develops due to medications, which reduce saliva production and contribute to a higher risk of developing tooth decay and cavities.
- Slow healing—Wounds or lesions, such as canker sores, may heal slower when someone has diabetes.
- Taste — The ability to fully taste is sometimes impacted by diabetes.
- Fungal infections — Diabetic patients may be more susceptible to uncomfortable oral fungal infections, such as thrush.
How to Protect Your Smile, Oral Health, and Overall Well-Being
Your best defense against problems like gum disease and tooth decay is routine exams and teeth cleanings with your Elk Grove dentist every six months. Your dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease when it's easier to treat, and you may be able to reverse your condition.
Contact your team at Laguna Springs Dental at (916) 478-7200 if it's time to schedule your next appointment.