FAQs About Oral Systemic Connection as It Relates to Diabetes

A complete health dentist can help you fight diabetes and avoid many oral health issues. Diabetes impacts the ability of your body to control blood glucose levels. When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can take a toll on your whole body, including your gums and teeth. Diabetes can impact your dental health in numerous ways. Read on to find out the connection between diabetes and gum disease and how it can affect your dental health.

What is diabetes?

All the food consumed is turned to sugar and utilized for energy. In Type I diabetes, an individual’s body does not make adequate insulin. This is an important hormone that transports sugar from the blood to the body’s cells that need it for energy. In Type II diabetes, the body does not respond to insulin the way it should. In both cases, an individual is likely to have oral health issues.

Does diabetes cause gum disease?

Diabetes raises the risk of gum disease. Both early gum disease, called gingivitis, and serious gum disease, referred to as periodontitis, are more likely in patients with diabetes. In fact, a large percentage of people with diabetes also have periodontal disease. Poor blood sugar control usually increases the risk of gum disease.

It is important to note that the association between them may also go both ways. Research suggests that gum disease may also impact someone’s ability to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Gum disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that infect the gumline. These bacteria will end up inflaming the gums and may eventually destroy both bone and gum tissue in the mouth. Gum disease can even cause tooth loss. Diabetes slows healing, which can make it harder to treat gum disease properly.

What is the connection between diabetes and other oral health problems?

High blood sugar levels increase the chances of having plaque buildup on the teeth. When blood sugar levels are high, the amount of sugar in the saliva is also high. This helps create an ideal environment for plaque to thrive. Excess plaque increases the risk of gum disease and infection as well as cavities and decay.

People with diabetes are also more likely to suffer from dry mouth. This is characterized by less saliva in the mouth than usual. Saliva helps to wash away acids and food particles. Not having adequate saliva will allow these particles to settle in the mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.

This is why diabetics have a higher risk of developing cavities. Dry mouth can occur when diabetes is uncontrolled. Particular medications used to treat the condition can also cause dry mouth. Many problems related to diabetes can be prevented as long as it is treated or a person sees a complete health dentist regularly.

How can a patient manage dental health with diabetes?

Monitoring blood sugar levels is a good practice in diabetic patients. This allows the patient to keep the levels normal. Reaching the target sugar levels can prevent the onset of gingivitis and other dental issues. Working with both the attending doctor and dentist can help achieve better oral health.

Brushing teeth for two minutes, at least two times a day, is ideal. Brushing after every meal and snack is also a good way to keep plaque away from dental surfaces. Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can leave a protective layer against bacteria. Flossing every day can help clean out the difficult areas between teeth. Water flossers can help the patient floss easier.

Letting the complete health dentist know about the patient’s diabetes can help in creating treatment plans for dental procedures and treatments. The dentist can then set a dental visit schedule for the patient. Routine dental checks can help the dentist detect the signs of gum disease. The dentist can then perform early treatments. Stopping the consumption of alcohol and tobacco can reduce the risk of developing diabetes complications. These substances can impair proper blood oxygenation and circulation.

Visit a complete health dentist today

People with diabetes may experience more problems with their oral health. It usually increases the risk of gum disease, cavities, and many other oral health issues. To prevent damage to your teeth and gums, you should take dental care and diabetes seriously. The better you control your blood sugar level, the less likely you are to develop gum disease and other health problems. It is also important to brush and floss consistently and to visit a complete health dentist regularly.

Request an appointment here: https://dentalcareofmadison.com or call Dental Care of Madison at (601) 898-9390 for an appointment in our Madison office.

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