Diabetes is a common disease, so if you don’t have it, you likely know someone who does. It affects approximately 29.1 million people in the USA, or about 9.3% of Americans! A lot of people don’t even know that they have it. Diabetes affects your body’s ability to produce sugar, and it can be linked to a variety of issues throughout the body, including gum disease. Read on to learn how the conditions are related and how you can work towards better gum and systemic health.
How Are Gum Disease and Diabetes Related?
People who already have diabetes are more susceptible to developing gum disease. Poor blood sugar affects your ability to fight off infections, including those that occur in the mouth. If you develop gum disease, it is much more difficult for your body to fight it off. Advanced periodontal disease can cause your blood sugar levels to rise, ultimately making it more challenging to keep your diabetes under control. Both conditions can make the other one more serious over time.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease if You Have Diabetes?
Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean that you are destined to have gum disease. However, it is especially important that you take the necessary steps to prevent it from developing. Here are the key ways to keep gum disease at bay:
- Floss Daily: You should be flossing each day to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline. This will help to reduce inflammation and bleeding over time.
- Brush Your Teeth & Gums: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, thoroughly brush your teeth, gumline, and gums twice every day.
- Clean Your Tongue: Your tongue can also collect plaque and bacteria. Use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to clean your tongue in addition to brushing your teeth.
- Minimize Sugar Intake: Having too many drinks and foods that are sweet and acidic can erode the enamel, causing decay. Limit the amount of soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and juice you are drinking, in addition to sweet and starchy snacks.
- Visit Your Dentist: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are necessary to achieve optimal oral health. Your dentist is trained to pick up on early signs of gum disease so it can be treated before becoming serious.
If you have diabetes, pay extra special attention to your gum health. By keeping up an excellent oral hygiene routine, in addition to maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, you can see positive changes throughout your whole body!
About the Author
Dr. Austin Amos earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. Since then, he has stayed up to date in the dental field through his membership with the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Academy of General Dentists, and Seattle Study Club. To learn more about gum health or to schedule an appointment at his office in The Colony, visit his website or call (972) 625-4746.