Connection Between Diabetes & Oral Health

Oral health issues can have implications beyond just the mouth, and they can be serious. In fact, there’s a known link between mouth health and diabetes. To learn more about this connection and when you should be concerned for your own health, read on.

Connection Between Diabetes & Oral Health

Diabetes is a condition that can damage the body’s nervous system, heart, kidneys, and even eyes and vision. Diabetes also makes it harder for the body to heal itself. When left unchecked, diabetes can cause a surplus of glucose in the saliva, which promotes the growth of bad bacteria. Such bacteria does substantial damage to the health of the mouth and teeth. And with the challenges diabetes places on healing, the disease makes it a lot harder for patients to overcome these dental health issues. Patients with diabetes are much more prone to gum disease and tooth loss than those who don’t suffer from the disease, or even those who have their disease well under control. Additionally, the connection between oral health and diabetes can go both ways, as the prominence of bacterial infections in the mouth can raise blood sugars, contributing to the risk for diabetes to develop or worsen.

The Importance of Great Oral Care

It’s an important reminder that great at-home oral health care is imperative, especially for patients dealing with diabetes. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice every day for two minutes each time, and floss daily. Maintain a healthy diet full of whole grains, fruits, and veggies, and avoid carb- and sugar-heavy foods as much as you can. And don’t forget, a visit to the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and exam is the key to keeping your oral health in check.

A Whole Health Approach to Dentistry in San Antonio, Texas

Here at Chandler Dental Center, we strive to ensure the health of our patients’ mouths, and beyond. To schedule your next visit here, head to our website or give us a call.

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Categorised in: Diabetes & Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Overall Health

This post was written by Chandler Dental Center