YOUR DIABETES AND YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
With October being National Diabetes Month, now is the perfect time to explore the connection between diabetes and your dental health. Yes, there is a connection. As is the case with your dental health and so many other health conditions, they overlap, meaning that there are ways you can maintain and improve your dental health by taking care of your diabetes, and vice versa. HOW DOES DIABETES RELATE TO DENTAL HEALTH? Before getting into how you can improve your diabetes by taking care of your teeth, let’s talk a little bit about how diabetes and dental health are connected in general. If you have diabetes, that means that you’re more at risk for the following: TOOTH DECAY Diabetics have a harder time managing their blood sugar, and the higher your blood sugar levels, the higher the
amount of sugars and starches in your mouth that could create plaque, which leads to cavities. EARLY AND ADVANCED GUM DISEASE Diabetics’ bodies have a harder time fighting bacteria, which means that plaque and tartar can build up easier. This might lead to gingivitis (early gum disease) and later to periodontitis (advanced gum disease), which could lead to your teeth loosening and falling out if left untreated. DRY MOUTH Some diabetics have a hard time producing saliva, which leads to dry mouth. Without saliva to keep your mouth moist, you could be further at risk for the previously mentioned conditions. HOW DO I MANAGE MY DIABETES AND MY DENTAL HEALTH TOGETHER? There aren’t very many out-of-the-box tricks when it comes to caring for your
dental health while also accounting for your diabetes. The best defenses are just more important: Brush twice a day, floss regularly, and see a dentist for regular checkups. Dentists treating gum disease can actually help improve your blood sugar! But of course, managing your blood sugar levels with the help of your doctor will go a long way in protecting your dental health as well. Although taking your insulin will always be the best defense against diabetes, it’s nice to know that brushing, flossing, and otherwise caring for your mouth can help make a difference!
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