November is National Diabetes Awareness Month – What Does That Mean for Your Oral Health?
11.3 percent of the population in the United States have diabetes, or 37.3 million people and there are 1.7 million new cases every year. Diabetes is a major health issue, and it seems to be reaching the crisis stage.
Diabetes affects your entire body and your ability to process sugar from the foods you eat. Type I and Type II Diabetes results in having high blood sugar levels, and causes problems throughout your body that ultimately affects your nerves, kidneys, heart, eyes, and virtually every part of your body. Diabetes also increases your chances of having dental disease and other symptoms in your mouth.
In What Ways Does Diabetes Affect Your Mouth?
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, oral health problems will likely follow. Typically, those with diabetes are subject to gum disease, and cavities. As you age, the more susceptible you are to having problems with your mouth and teeth, and even more so if you have diabetes. Good management of your diabetes and blood sugar numbers will help guard your oral health gums.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Higher blood sugar levels from eating sugar and carbs creates more acids that wear away the enamel of your teeth. Diabetes reduces your body’s ability to fight bacteria which can result in swollen and bleeding gums.
Uncontrolled diabetes results with more sugar in your saliva, providing the right environment for the bacteria in your mouth to flourish. Keeping your blood sugar low, along with brushing and flossing every day will help keep your mouth’s ability to fight the gum disease.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a common dental disease for diabetics because poor blood sugar control raises the risk of gum problems. Infections of any kind will cause your blood sugar to rise, making it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, making you more susceptible to gum disease.
If untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which is a more serious gum disease that erodes the bone and tissue that maintains your tooth structure, leading to tooth loss. Poor personal oral hygiene allows plaque bacteria to build up on your teeth, creating pockets in your gums which causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. Periodontitis is not reversible and needs extensive treatment, which may include surgery.
Diabetics Can Avoid Gum Disease
- Limit acidic drinks and foods that erode the enamel of your teeth and cause decay.
- Brush and floss daily to get rid of plaque buildup.
- Brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- See Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS every 6 months.
Do You Suspect You Have Diabetes?
Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes have their work cut out for them. But what about the 8.5 million people who are undiagnosed?
Following are some symptoms of diabetes:
- Fatigue
- Excessive thirst and hunger or nausea
- Frequent urination or kidney problems
- Loss of consciousness if your blood sugar is too low
- Wounds that are slow to heal – Skin infections
- Breath that smells fruity or sweet
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
If you think you have diabetes, see your medical doctor for a simple blood test to check your blood sugar levels and then make an appointment with Dr. Evanson for a professional dental cleaning and examination. Call our office at (720) 409-0008 or contact us online.
Treating your condition and taking care of your oral hygiene will help you win the battle against gum disease and potential tooth loss.
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