NEARLY everyone knows someone who is directly or indirectly affected by diabetes. Not only can diabetes be difficult to manage, but it can also increase a person’s risk for other major health problems—including oral health problems.
It’s everyone’s obligation to help educate
With over 300 million people worldwide suffering from diabetes, we want to be sure you understand the relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Unfortunately, many, many people are unaware of the connection, so it really becomes everyone’s responsibility to help the people we know and love be more informed and aware.
Diabetes can make a person twice as likely to develop gum disease
Diabetes lowers a person’s ability to fight infection in his or her mouth and gums, which is essentially what gum disease is—infection caused by excessive bacteria hanging out at the gum line and in the mouth. And, there’s also a big catch 22. While diabetes can contribute to gum disease, the gum disease (in return) can exacerbate diabetes. Gum disease can further increase risk for problems that diabetics are prone to—things like kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. And just like other infections, it can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Tips for diabetic patients:
• First, be active, eat right, and keep your diabetes under control.
• Brush at least twice a day, and floss once a day.
• Make our team aware of your diabetes! We’ll help you keep an eye on any oral health problems that may arise.
• Don’t smoke—your mouth has enough to worry about already.
Keep an eye out for the symptoms
It’s much easier to reign in gum disease if you catch it early. So if you notice these early signs, talk to our practice.
• a change in your bite
• receding gums (which will make your teeth feel sensitive)
• swollen, red, or tender gums
• bleeding when you brush or floss
Do you have questions for us about diabetes and your oral health? Please ask us! Leave a comment below, give us a call, or message us on Facebook.
Thanks for being a valued patient in our practice!
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If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com. She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation.