{"id":831,"date":"2018-11-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-28T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/\/template2\/dental-care-blog\/teeth-gums-diabetes\/"},"modified":"2018-11-28T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2018-11-28T00:00:00","slug":"teeth-gums-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/graystonedental\/dental-care-blog\/teeth-gums-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Teeth, Gums, And Diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

\"\" IT MIGHT SEEM LIKE<\/strong> diabetes and oral health have little to do with each other, but this is unfortunately not the case. One of the most common effects of diabetes is, in fact, gum disease, and the two conditions can actually make each other harder to deal with. This is why we want to make sure all of our patients have the information they need about the relationship between diabetes and oral health problems. <\/p>\n

The Basics Of Diabetes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body makes and uses insulin, a crucial hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. When the pancreas can\u2019t produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body can\u2019t use it properly (type 2 and gestational diabetes), this leads to hyperglycemia. What does this mean for the teeth and gums? Well, high blood sugar both weakens the immune system and feeds bad oral bacteria, leaving diabetics vulnerable to oral inflammation and decay.\u00a0<\/strong> <\/p>\n

How Diabetes Affects Oral Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n

By this point, it shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise that 22 percent of diabetics<\/a> suffer from gum disease, ranging from gingivitis (inflammation) to periodontitis (advanced gum disease), which threatens the health of the teeth, gums, and even the underlying bone<\/strong>. Bacteria from gum disease can also endanger overall health if it reaches the bloodstream, making blood sugar even harder to regulate. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, gum recession, bad breath, and loosened teeth<\/strong>. Another diabetic symptom<\/a> that increases the risk of developing gum disease is dry mouth, because saliva is crucial for regulating the mouth\u2019s pH and washing away bacteria and food particles. While we\u2019re focusing on gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes can also lead to a variety of other oral health problems<\/a>, including dry mouth, impaired or slower healing, burning mouth syndrome, salivary gland enlargement, more frequent and severe infections, and fungal infections. <\/p>\n

Fighting Back Against Diabetes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The good news for our patients who struggle with diabetes is that good oral health is still within your grasp<\/strong>, and keeping your mouth healthy will also make your diabetes easier to control! By brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, avoiding smoking, and being careful with your sugar intake, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.