Over 9% of the United States population is living with diabetes and more and more people are being diagnosed each year. Because diabetes impacts your body’s ability to process sugar, it can cause certain issues with your eyes, nerves, heart, and other body parts. But what about your mouth? Diabetes can affect your smile too, especially if left untreated. Here are a few things you should know about diabetes and your oral health.
Mouth Warning Signs of Diabetes
Diabetes can affect your mouth in a few different ways if not properly treated. Some warning signs that you may have diabetes include:
- Dry mouth – diabetes can reduce the amount of saliva you produce
- Increase in cavities – saliva helps to wash out your mouth throughout the day, so if you are producing less of it, you are at a higher risk of developing cavities
- Gingivitis – you gums may become swollen and bleed
- More susceptible to mouth infections
- Delayed wound healing within the mouth
- Increased chance of gum disease
Diabetes Increases Chance Of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common dental diseases found in people with diabetes. A person with high blood sugar is more susceptible to gum disease because it is often harder for them to fight off bacteria and infection. Diabetes decreases the amount of saliva a person makes, which in turn makes it easier for bacteria to grow inside their mouth because the is no consistent “rinsing” of the mouth and teeth. Additionally, gum disease itself can cause blood sugar to rise, making diabetes harder to control. This then makes a person more prone to infection as well.
Let Your Dentist Help
Regular visits to your dentist are important and can help you to keep your diabetes and oral health under control. If you have gum disease, let your dentist treat it so you can better manage your blood sugar levels and keep the disease from getting worse. Maintaining good oral hygiene can also help, so be sure to brush and floss daily as well as have your teeth professionally cleaned when recommended by your dentist.
If you need to schedule a dental service, contact Family Dental Care today!
Courtesy of Mouth Healthy
