Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes is a lifelong disease that affects your body's ability to process sugar (glucose), which causes high blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces little to no insulin, and type 2 diabetes occurs when cells don't respond to insulin properly.

How Are Diabetes And Oral Health Related?

People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing oral infections, including gum disease. This is because diabetes can both affect the health of the gums and make them less able to fight off infection. Because diabetes can also affect the body's immune system and ability to heal, complications from gum disease can pose a serious health risk for people with diabetes.

When diabetic patients develop an infection, it can quickly spread throughout the mouth and cause more substantial damage. The condition also makes it more likely that additional issues, such as tooth decay or tooth loss, will develop. This makes it important for anyone with diabetes to practice good oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly.

How To Improve Oral Health in People with Diabetes?

The most important part of managing diabetes is maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, but it is also important to maintain good oral health as well. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease and other oral infections because diabetics can have higher levels of blood sugar in their saliva. This sugar feeds the bacteria in their mouth, which causes cavities and gingivitis.

However, with good oral hygiene habits, it is possible to avoid these problems. One of the most important things a person can do is to brush their teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. It is also important to floss at least once a day to remove plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline. These simple tasks can help prevent the formation of cavities or tooth decay that can lead to needing fillings or even root canal therapy.

Additionally, people with diabetes should visit their dentist at least twice per year to have their teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist. During these cleanings, the hygienist will remove the buildup of plaque and tartar to help prevent the development of gum disease. Plaque buildup can lead to gum inflammation, which is an early sign that a person may be developing periodontitis or advanced gum disease. For more information about treating diabetes and your oral health, please call our dental office today.

To learn more, you can get in touch with us through online consultation or by calling us, and we'll guide you further. Call (516) 336-4902 to book an appointment at our Hicksville office and (516) 756-0111 for the Farmingdale office.