According to the CDC, over 100 million Americans are diabetic or pre-diabetic. If you live with diabetes you know that it reaches into every part of your life. Every part of your body is affected by diabetes, including your teeth. But luckily for you, treating your diabetes and taking good care of your physical health can help protect your oral health as well.
Gum Disease
The number one oral health ailment diabetics face is their increased risk of gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontitis is a serious infection of the gum line that breaks down the structure holding together and protecting your teeth. Gum disease starts simply enough with every day plaque buildup. But without the proper care and prevention it escalates quickly. The buildup solidifies into a substance called tartar. Tartar is a nasty calcification that only your trusted dental professionals can remove. Gum disease is definitely something you want to diagnose early and take every measure to prevent.
Why Diabetes Leads to Greater Risk
Type I or type II, they both result in an inability for the body to properly break down sugars. High blood glucose levels aren’t the only result. When sugars don’t break down it also causes higher levels of glucose in your saliva. These higher sugar levels lead to more plaque and enamel break down in your mouth. This makes it more difficult to keep up on plaque removal to prevent gum disease. Difficult, but not impossible.
Prevention
Like I mentioned earlier, taking care of your physical health and controlling your blood sugar levels is the best thing you can do to prevent the dental breakdown that diabetics are more susceptible to. And of course be sure to vigilantly brush at least twice daily. Never underestimate the power of good hygiene. Lastly, get your dentist involved. Frequent cleanings and checkups are key. Plaque is great at hiding in places only the professionals can find. Talk to your dentist about possibly increasing your regular visits to more than twice a year.
At Eagle Rock Dental Care we are dedicated to giving you personalized care for your specific needs. We understand that each patient has different oral health needs. Our professionals are here to help with all you need for prevention and treatment of gum disease as well as any other oral ailments you may be facing. Let our trusted staff take care of you! Contact us today at any one of our three southeastern Idaho locations, or simply request your appointment online.
