Studies show there is a link between blood sugar control and gum disease. How does this work and what can you do about it?
It is a fact of life that your mouth will be a hotel for bad bacteria. However, if you are vigilant, you can decide how many, when and where in your mouth they can stay. If you allow bacteria to multiply without diligent oral hygiene practices, they will be able to camp in your gums, creating periodontal disease. This chronic, inflammatory disease can wreak havoc on your soft tissue, but it can also cause blood sugar to rise, which then increases your risk for diabetes. Conversely, if you already have diabetes, your chances of gum disease are greatly intensified, especially if you don’t watch your diet or care for your teeth well. This assault of the gums can make diabetes harder to control, since you now have more chance of developing infections, with less capability to battle the bacteria.
Here are some tips to help control both diseases:
– See your dentist, Dr. Carrie Sessom, for regular dental cleanings, x-rays, exams, and if needed, other treatments
– Take your prescribed medication, monitor your eating habits and blood sugar levels, and establish good exercise habits
– Brush at least twice daily with a soft toothbrush and floss at least once daily
– If you have dentures, clean them daily
– If you smoke, quit as soon as possible
Do you have questions? Phone Riverwalk Dental Spa to learn more about how diabetes can affect your smile in Jenks, Oklahoma at 918-770-0027.