26 Dec The Link Between Diabetes and Gum Disease
Your general health and your oral health are closely connected. And if you have a chronic health condition like heart disease or diabetes, you also have a higher risk of gum disease.
Not only does diabetes increase your risk of oral health issues, having gum disease also makes it more difficult to manage your diabetes. We explain the links between gum disease and diabetes in more detail below.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Oral Health?
Chronic health conditions like diabetes change how our bodies function in many ways. They also affect how our bodies use the nutrients we consume, making us more susceptible to other health problems.
High blood sugar levels increase your risk of gum disease, and at the same time, infections from gum disease make your blood sugar rise even more. Without treatment, diabetes and gum disease are linked in a vicious cycle.
For example:
- Thickened blood vessels from diabetes can limit the flow of essential nutrients to the gums. This makes it more difficult for them to heal after damage from infections.
- When your blood sugar is high, your saliva also has a higher sugar content. Bacteria love this extra sugar, as it allows them to multiply and grow more quickly.
- Diabetes can also lower your immune response, which makes you more susceptible to chronic infections like gum disease.
Three Tips for Managing Your Oral Health If You Have Diabetes
1: Follow a Strict Routine
Removing plaque is the best way to prevent gum disease. Set up a daily oral health routine that includes brushing, flossing, and a mouth rinse.
- Brushing should be done twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
- Flossing once a day before bed is best.
- Using an antiseptic mouth rinse will kill infectious bacteria.
2: Eat a Healthy Diet
Making sure your body gets the nutrients it needs will help keep your gums and bone structure strong and healthy. Many of the foods that are good for diabetics—like low-fat milk and sugar substitutes—are also good for your teeth and gums.
3: Check in With Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dentist visits will help you keep your oral health on track. Dental cleanings will remove the plaque and tartar that cause gum disease, and your dentist will be able to provide any additional treatments you need to keep gum disease at bay.
Comprehensive Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
At Hicks Dental Group we use the latest dental technology to make your mouth as healthy as it can be. If you suffer from diabetes, we can provide the treatment you need to fight gum disease and tooth loss. Frequent checkups and cleanings are an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Call us to make an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/26/24). Photo by Diabetesmagazijn.nl on Unsplash.