There is a hormone in everyone's body called insulin which is essential in converting the sugar from your blood into the cells of your body where it can be used for energy. While there are several types of diabetes, the underlying problem is an abnormal level of blood sugar. A high level of blood sugar can wreak havoc on your mouth and therefore if you have diabetes it's vital that you take a proactive approach to proper oral health.
Diabetes and Gum Disease
There are several oral health complications that can occur if you have diabetes. Gingivitis is an early sign of gum disease that if you're diabetic are particularly suspectable to because of your high level of blood sugar. This increased level of blood sugar allows the natural bacteria in your mouth to grow more rapidly than normal as it feeds off the high blood sugar and results in visible signs of bleeding and swelling of the gums. Without proper dental treatment, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis which is a more severe form of gum disease that forms tissues of infection as a result of the war that occurs as your body's immune system fights with the bacteria. In addition to these bacterial infections, if you have diabetes you are also more suspectable in developing fungal infections and a decrease of saliva production.
How Diabetics Can Prevent Oral Health Problems
It's important that if you have diabetes that you develop a plan to maintain strong and healthy oral health. In addition to flossing and brushing at least twice per day you should also proactively look for the visible signs of gum disease such as bleeding, swelling, bad breath, sores, loose teeth, and a change in your bite. The warning signs of gum disease are hard to identify alone which is why it's especially important that people with diabetes schedule regular dental visits with us throughout the year. During these visits, we're able to clean your teeth thoroughly, properly examine for problems and when necessary work hand-in-hand with your physician in developing a comprehensive treatment for your diabetes that will lead to a lifetime of strong and healthy oral hygiene.
Dental Blog | Neu Family Dental | East Dundee, IL Neu Family Dental, 573 Dundee Avenue, East Dundee, IL 60118 ^ (847) 230-9143 ^ neufamilydental.com ^ 1/19/2022 ^ Key Phrases: Dentist East Dundee IL ^
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There is a hormone in everyone's body called insulin which is essential in converting the sugar from your blood into the cells of your body where it can be used for energy. While there are several types of diabetes, the underlying problem is an abnormal level of blood sugar. A high level of blood sugar can wreak havoc on your mouth and therefore if you have diabetes it's vital that you take a proactive approach to proper oral health.