NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness for the disease and its many impacts on our bodies. It may come as a surprise, but did you know there is a connection between diabetes and your oral health?
Exploring the Connection Between Diabetes and Oral Health
complication of the disease is the thickening of blood vessels, which slows down the flow of necessary nutrients and waste from body tissues. When this happens, it’s difficult for the body to defend itself from infections such as gum disease. When people with diabetes frequently take medications and antibiotics to treat infections, they become prone to a fungal infection in the mouth and on the tongue, known as thrush, which thrives on increased glucose levels in saliva. Thrush can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth and on the tongue. Lastly, those with diabetes who smoke are at an increased risk of developing certain oral health conditions such as thrush and periodontal disease. Smoking may also hinder the healing time for wounds and other complications! If you or someone you know has diabetes, it’s essential to ensure that, as a patient, you are seen on a more frequent basis to keep a close eye on your oral health. Remember, your oral health is a giant window to your overall health!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood sugar can weaken your white blood cell count, affecting your immune system and your body’s ability to fight bacterial infections in your mouth. This is why people with diabetes commonly face a higher-than-normal risk of oral health complications.
But what oral health problems have the largest links to diabetes? Let’s take a look.
First and foremost, left uncontrolled or unmonitored, diabetes will decrease saliva, resulting in a condition known as dry mouth. When dry mouth is present, ulcers, infections, soreness, and even tooth decay may present themselves.
Periodontitis and gingivitis (gum disease) may also develop in people with diabetes. This is because another
Team Update!
A CLEAN, CLUTTER-FREE CLOSET MAKE THE MOST OF LIMITED SPACE
and make it work. But you can rethink how you’re using your closet. Consider adding a second clothing rod below the items you’ve already hung up. This solution will make it easier to sort clothes neatly and keep seasonal wear separated. Not possible or too much work? Break the tab off a soda can — and slip it around the hook on each hanger. You can now use the second hole in the tab to hang another item! Use pegboards for accessories. Jewelry organizers are cute, but they rarely hold every single piece you own. Many items end up in a pile where they get tangled or tucked away in a drawer where you forget about them. Rethink how you store your accessories by taking a cue from your garage. A pegboard with hooks installed in your closet is an inexpensive, comprehensive way to hang your jewelry. With all that sparkle and color, the finished result will be much more upscale than the workbench version, and the accessories you love will get the attention they deserve. Determine what you don’t wear. Many people have a pile of clothing they never wear but keep “just in case.” A little mind trick could change your thinking about all those extra garments. Turn your hangers around so the open part of the hook faces out of the closet. As you wear items, replace the hanger the usual way. After a year, you’ll have undeniable proof of what’s just taking up space and can be donated. It might be hard to part with some items, but at least you’ll have room for new clothes!
Celebrating Judy’s birthday with her daughter Tara and the team.
Few people will ever have a closet that resembles the ones you see on HGTV, but that’s no excuse to leave your wardrobe in disarray. Most of us could stand to keep things tidier or more organized. And no matter how big your closet may be, you probably wish you had more space. These closet hacks will help you make the most of what you’ve got without breaking the bank for a custom system. Hang more in the same space. Most people will blame a lack of space for their messy closets. When there’s not enough room for everything, you must find a way to cram it all in
Pauline with one of our favorite patients, John P.
2 • Newman Springs Dental Care • BestLincroftDentist.com • Call Us! 732-978-4522
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online