When it comes to diabetes and gum disease, it’s a lot like the classic question of which came first – the chicken or the egg? It may seem unlikely, but studies show that gum health and diabetes are actually connected – gum disease can increase the risk for diabetes and vice versa. So if you’re one of the estimated 100 million Americans living with pre-diabetes or diabetes, learning about how to take great care of your gums can benefit more than just your mouth. It can actually keep your entire body healthier as well! As a dentist in Charlottesville, we’ll discuss more about how diabetes affects your gums and how you can keep them as healthy as possible.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Oral Health?
Diabetes can contribute to all of the following oral health issues:
- Delayed Healing: Under normal conditions, the mouth is one of the fastest areas in the body to heal. However, high levels of glucose in the blood affect the immune system and subsequently delay healing, especially in the mouth. In particular, this can be an issue during dental procedures.
- Dry Mouth: Diabetes can cause salivary flow to decrease, which can lead to multiple problems. Saliva washes away plaque and neutralizes acids that eat away at the teeth and cause cavities. It also keeps the soft tissues in the mouth healthy. Dry mouth can make ulcers, infections and tenderness or discomfort more likely.
- Oral infections: Fungal infections such as thrush are more common in people with diabetes. One side effect of thrush is a sensation of burning on the tongue.
- Inflammation: Inflammation is at the heart of many diseases and can adversely affect any part of the body. Diabetes can cause the gums to become inflamed, which contributes to periodontal (gum) disease.
How Can You Have Healthy Gums?
Scheduling an appointment with a ‘dentist near me’ is the first step. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam that includes a gum assessment so they can tell you if you have gum disease or not.
You’ll also get a professional cleaning that will remove the plaque, bacteria and tartar from under the gumline where you can’t reach. If you have gum disease they’ll recommend a special kind of cleaning specially designed to treat the condition.
You’ll also learn how you can improve your hygiene routine at home to counteract some of the negative effects of diabetes. By working as a team with your dentist, you’ll be well on your way to having a healthy smile for life!
About the Author
Dr. Hal Lippard is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist with decades of experience who is passionate about promoting oral health. He always strives to educate his patients about the connection between their mouth and the rest of their body. If you have any questions about your gums, he can be reached through his website or at (434) 260-5530.