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Oral Health & Diabetes

We all know that diabetes is a serious condition and can cause all sorts of other health problems. Not only can the disease affect our internal organs, high blood sugars can also affect our teeth and oral health. Therefore, if you or someone you know suffers from diabetes, there are a few things that you need to be aware of.

Below, we’re going to look at just a few of the ways that diabetes can have an impact on your teeth and gums, as well as a few ways to prevent any problems from worsening.

Dry Mouth

One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is a persistent dry mouth and constantly feeling thirsty. And, while this can be annoying on its own, it also puts you at risk of developing dental problems.

The saliva in your mouth helps clean your teeth and wash away plaque bacteria. So, since diabetes reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth, your teeth will be more susceptible to decay and other oral conditions such as gum disease.

To treat dry mouth, your dentist can prescribe you with a special mouthwash that will help prevent tooth decay and keep your mouth moist. Another option is to chew on sugar-free gum or mints that will stimulate saliva production and alleviate the problem.

Gum Disease

The effects of diabetes include a reduced blood flow to your gums, which puts you at a greater risk of developing gum disease.

Aside from this, diabetes also lowers your body’s ability to fight off infection. This means that not only are you more likely to develop gingivitis, it’s also much more difficult to treat the condition.

Gingivitis typically manifests itself as red, puffy gums that bleed easily. Therefore, if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important that you contact your Carlsbad dentist as soon as possible to get diagnosed and treated.

If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious infection which affects the tissue that supports your teeth and can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.

Avoiding Complications

With this in mind, it’s easy to see why proper oral hygiene is crucial for those suffering from diabetes. Therefore, it’s important that both diabetes, and dental health be taken care of together and monitored closely. Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of your oral care.

  • Brush and Floss – This is key even for those who do not suffer from diabetes but staying on top of brushing and flossing your teeth will prevent plaque from building up and causing tooth decay.
  • Manage Food Intake – Do your best to avoid foods that are high in sugars to help control your symptoms.
  • Talk to your Carlsbad Dentist – Make sure to let your dentist know about your condition. This ensures that they’ll be able to treat your condition to the best of their abilities.
  • Schedule Regular Dental Visits – With a condition like diabetes, it might be a good idea to schedule more than just 1 or 2 dental checkups throughout the year. This will allow your dentist to monitor your progress and keep an eye out for early warnings signs of any developing conditions.

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