You likely know that diabetes affects blood sugar levels and can cause vision and eye complications. But you may be surprised to learn that diabetes, which affects millions of Americans, can also put your oral health at risk.
Since November is National Diabetes Month, Brian Goodman, DDS, and Tanner Goodman, DMD, of Goodman Dental Center in Queen Creek, Arizona, use this month’s blog to explain how to protect your oral health when you have diabetes.
If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to develop gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. That’s because diabetes can weaken your body's ability to fight off bacteria, making your gums more susceptible to infection.
High blood sugar can also lead to more sugar in your saliva, feeding the bacteria that cause plaque. Untreated, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) and periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a more severe infection that can destroy the bone supporting your teeth.
Many people with diabetes experience dry mouth, or xerostomia. That isn't just an uncomfortable feeling; a lack of saliva can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral infections.
Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and neutralizing the acids produced by bacteria. A lack of it leaves your teeth and gums vulnerable.
Thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can cause white patches on your tongue and the inside of your cheeks. People with diabetes are more prone to thrush because the higher sugar levels in their saliva can encourage the growth.
Diabetes can affect your circulation and immune system, slowing down the healing process throughout your body, including in your mouth. That means recovery from a dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction or implant placement, may take longer.
The good news is that you can take steps to protect your oral health. The best thing you can do is keep your blood sugar levels under control. In addition:
If you have diabetes, taking care of your teeth and gums is crucial. To learn more about how we can help you maintain a healthy smile, schedule an appointment at Goodman Dental Center. Call us or use our online scheduling tool today.
