Do you worry that your diabetes will negatively impact the rest of your overall health and wellbeing? You may not realize it, but researchers have spent years attempting to learn just how impactful blood sugar levels can be on a person’s teeth, gums, and bodily organs. Surprisingly, because of the close connection between the mouth and body, there is a close link between diabetes and gum disease. If you want to learn what you can do to minimize your risk of bad bacteria attacking your soft tissues while also better managing your diabetes, read on.
Diabetes and Gum Disease: The Link Between the Two
An individual with Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine stated that nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes, with an estimated 8 million completely unaware of it. Also, nearly 80% of the U.S. population is living with some form of gum disease.
If you are one of the millions who struggle to maintain proper blood sugar levels, there is a good chance that your immune system is already weakened. As a result, you may be unable to defend your gum tissue should bad bacteria invade and begin attacking your soft tissues. If left untreated, bacteria can spread beneath the gum line and cause pockets to form, making it easy for food particles to become trapped. Over time, your bone and teeth will be destroyed, resulting in loose teeth and bone loss.
When living with diabetes and gum disease, your body cannot fight off the infection that is attacking your smile. Also, the saliva you produce will likely contain high levels of glucose, making it nearly impossible to fight off bad bacteria. Not to mention, the longer you wait to seek treatment for your gum disease, the higher your blood sugar will rise.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease and Manage Your Diabetes
If you want to take control of your oral and overall health once and for all, you’ll need to make some serious changes to your lifestyle, including:
- Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing
- Continuing to see your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings to remove hardened plaque and tartar
- Incorporating healthier foods into your diet (i.e., leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy) and curbing sugar and starch intake
- Avoiding tobacco products and stopping the use of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes
- Finding ways to exercise daily and manage your weight
- Taking diabetes medications as instructed by your doctor so your glucose levels remain in a proper range
Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to live with gum disease as well. By taking the right steps and proper precautions, you can enjoy better oral and overall health for the rest of your life.
About the Authors
Drs. Travis and Christel Cochell are a husband-and-wife team who own and operate Cochell Family Dentistry in Salem, Oregon. When living with diabetes, a concern of some patients is the potential for worsening oral health conditions. Fortunately, if problems do arise, our team can use periodontal therapy to minimize further infection and restore your gum health. If you need help to ensure the future of your smile, contact us at (971) 273-5910.