Millions of people in the U.S. live with diabetes. Many have embraced the changes they need to make to live a vibrant life. They don’t let this disease have the upper hand and make good choices to minimize the harmful effects it could have on other areas of their health, including their mouth.
If you have diabetes, you can make these good choices and protect your dental health and maintain a healthy smile.
So, how does diabetes affect your mouth?
You may experience more infections in your mouth and wounds that take longer to heal. You may also have dry mouth from a lack of saliva being produced or develop gingivitis or periodontitis.
According to the American Dental Association, uncontrolled diabetes can also lead to a burning sensation in the mouth. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist right away if this occurs.
So, How Can It Lead to Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, occurs when your gums become inflamed or infected. Because diabetes can lead to more infections in your mouth, the chance of developing gum disease is higher. Gingivitis is a common gum disease that, in severe cases, can lead to tooth loss.
Infections in the gum can leave them red and swollen and may bleed during brushing. This is especially dangerous for diabetics, whose wounds tend to take more time to heal.
Tips to Manage Issues Related to Diabetes and Dental Health
Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you will develop gum disease or other oral health problems. You can protect yourself by making good choices for your dental care. Here are some tips.
• Back to the Basics – Brushing your teeth twice every day helps lessen the buildup of plaque and keeps your mouth cleaner.
• Don’t forget your gums – While brushing, don’t forget to brush your gums, too. They’re just as important to maintain as your teeth!
• Flossing is a great habit – Flossing once a day is a smart habit to get into. It keeps your gums strong and clears out the food stuck between your teeth, which decreases your chance of cavities, infections, and disease.
• Consider going electric – If you don’t already use an electric toothbrush, consider trying one. It helps you maintain the right amount of pressure to get your teeth and gums clean- not too much and not too little. This helps minimize the risk of hurting your gums by brushing too hard, while still using enough motion to get your mouth clean.
• Put your health first – Smoking and eating sugary sweets are two lifestyle choices that can do damage to your oral health. Put your health as a top priority by quitting smoking and cutting way back on sugar.
• Exercise and hydrate – These are both very important for your overall health, but hydrating is especially great for oral health because it washes away food from your teeth and helps with dry mouth.
• Visit your dentist regularly – Not only will your dentist be able to help keep your teeth clean, but they can also detect any early signs of infection or disease. This is critical to keep your mouth as healthy as possible and keep any damage to a minimum.
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your mouth needs you to make good decisions so you can maintain strong teeth and healthy gums.
Connect with a Dentist Today!
Diabetes can affect many parts of your life, including your oral health. It can lead to problems like dry mouth, gingivitis, and slow-healing wounds, but with proper care and visits to your dentist, you can stay on the winning side in the fight against infection and disease.
If you are looking for a dentist you can trust and rely on for optimal dental care, Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Twp is the dental practice for you. Addressing all areas of dental care, our services include general dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, gum rejuvenation and more. We are a top choice throughout the area due to the optimal dental care we provide. Call and schedule a Free Dental Consultation today!