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What Every Diabetic Should Know About Oral Health
Cherrywood Dental • Aug 25, 2017
Diabetics know that they need to carefully monitor their diet and control their blood sugar. But less-discussed is the significant connection between diabetes and oral health. Poor blood sugar heightens the risk of developing periodontal disease. This leads to shockingly common gum problems for diabetics – in fact, 1 in 5 cases of total tooth loss is related to diabetes.
We’d like to start changing that statistic. The first step is helping diabetics and non-diabetics alike become more informed about the best ways to keep their gums healthy.
We’ve put together an infographic that discusses the diabetes’ impact on the mouth, as well as other conditions with oral symptoms. And the mouth-body connection goes in both directions, so there’s also information about how gum disease may heighten the risk of other health conditions.
Be sure to read to the end for some diabetes-specific oral health tips.
Oral Health and Whole Body Health – Understanding the Connection
Caring for Your Teeth and Gums as a Diabetic
Gum disease affects about 22% of diabetics. Infected gums can cause the blood sugar to rise, making it more difficult to control diabetes. If you have diabetes, it’s key that you stay vigilant and treat your gums with care. Be sure to do the following –
- Schedule routine exams – Professional cleanings will help you avoid plaque buildup and prevent gum disease. Your dentist will also be able to tell how well your blood sugar has been controlled and help you stay on track.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions to control your blood sugar – Take any prescribed medications, get a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. Healthy blood sugar levels will help you fight bacterial infections in the mouth and will also improve dry mouth.
- Do not use tobacco
- If you wear a denture, clean it daily and thoroughly
- Practice good oral hygiene – brush twice daily and floss once daily.
If you’re looking for help controlling your diabetes and improving your oral health, don’t hesitate to get in touch.