Diabetes and Gum Disease: How You Can Minimize Oral Infections

Diabetes affects many aspects of your well-being, including your oral health. If you have diabetes, it
s important to be diligent in caring for your teeth and gums and to keep your blood sugar levels under good control.

What
s the connection between diabetes and oral infections?

Diabetes has been associated with an increased risk of developing gum disease or oral
infections. That
s because it can reduce your body
s ability to fight bacteria, which can lead to plaque forming on your teeth and gums. In its early stages, this can cause your gums to become irritated and bleed easily.

In the more advanced forms of the disease, your gums may pull away from your teeth. Germs and bacteria can enter the gaps, or pockets, between your teeth and gums, causing further problems if the situation isn
t addressed.

Ultimately, the bone around your teeth can be destroyed, and your teeth may become loose.

The relationship between diabetes and gum disease goes both ways. It
s believed that people with diabetes are more likely to develop serious gum disease, and
serious gum disease may cause blood sugar levels to rise and contribute to diabetes.

What can you do to prevent oral infections if you have diabetes?

Keep your blood sugar under good control

Test your blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor so you
ll know if you need to make any changes to lower it. Take any medicine as prescribed, and follow your doctor
s dietary and exercise recommendations.

Communicate with your diabetes doctor and dentist

Let your dentist know if you have diabetes so he or she can keep a close eye on oral health issues that are more common in people with diabetes. In addition to gum disease, these include thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth) and dry mouth, which can increase your risk of developing cavities.

Also, let your diabetes doctor know about any oral health issues you may be having, since this can be an indication that your diabetes isn
t being kept under good control.

Keep an eye out for warning signs of oral infections

Be aware of any changes in your mouth and see your dentist if you
ve been experiencing any of the following signs of gum disease and oral infections:

Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
Red or swollen gums
Receding gums
Gaps between your teeth and gums
Changes in the way your teeth fit together or
changes in the way your dentures fit

Maintain good oral health habits

Brush your teeth twice daily
and floss once a day. Use a mouthwash without alcohol if you have problems with dry mouth, since alcohol can make the problem worse. And make sure to receive regular dental checkups, so any issues can be addressed before it becomes worse.

In its early stages, an oral infection can cause irritation, but if it
s allowed to progress, it can cause serious damage that can result in tooth loss.

Regular dental care is important for anyone, but people with diabetes may need to visit the dentist more often.
Contact Central Florida Periodontics & Implantology today
for an appointment and get started on better oral health!