Dental Health and Diabetes

April 25, 2019, Jonathan H Gorman DDS

Your Mouth Can Affect Your Diabetes
Diabetes affects many people's lives throughout the United States. If a person lives with diabetes, they face challenges every day. Living with diabetes a person must take extra care of their bodies; oral health also has to be closely monitored to prevent further complications. Are people with diabetes more susceptible to having dental issues? Can a person’s poor dental hygiene lead to other diabetic complications? What can a person with diabetes do to manage their dental health better? All of the questions mentioned are great, and the answers may change  your life.

People with diabetes Face A Higher Risk
Being diabetic does put you at a higher risk of having issues with your teeth. Bacteria that grows within your mouth can cause problems for your gums, and even the bones that support your gums. It is important to know that when you have diabetes, you run a higher risk of developing a disease known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease occurs when the tissue that holds your teeth in place becomes inflamed, causing the ligaments in your mouth to become weak. Once ligaments in your mouth become weak, the tissue supporting your teeth can no longer hold together, causing your teeth to fall out. Periodontal disease can also weaken the bones within your mouth and jaw making them susceptible to infections.

Caring For Your Mouth Matters
A person with diabetes should always pay close attention when it comes to dental care. When a person has diabetes getting an infection due to poor oral hygiene can turn a simple toothache into a severe problem. When you have diabetes, it is hard to fight infection. Having an infection in your mouth can also cause a person with diabetes to have higher blood sugar levels. It is essential to focus on your dental care at all times to further prevent added complications to your diabetes.

Routine Dental Visits Are Key
Visiting a dentist on a routine basis can help with monitoring your oral health. Yonkers Dentist, Dr. Jonathan Gorman says “When you work closely with a dentist who is aware of your diabetes, he or she can monitor your dental care to make sure that any potential issues are addressed quickly, and in an appropriate manner”. Your dentist may also give you tips on how to manage your dental hygiene between office visits to lessen complications to your diabetes. There are also certain things you can do to maintain a healthy mouth, brush your teeth regularly, use a non-alcoholic mouthwash, floss once a day, and try to brush your teeth after every meal. Taking a proactive stance on your oral health can help you lessen your chance of infection, as well as creating less diabetic issues for you. A clean, healthy smile not only is good for appearances, but it also helps you focus more on what matters, and not your diabetes.

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