We are all very aware that the health of our mouth affects the health of our entire body. The correlation between poor oral health and blood pressure problems, heart disease and even some cancers is well documented.
There is one health subject that is very near to heart, as it is one that affects the most individuals on a daily basis. That subject is Diabetes.
There are 3 well documented types of Diabetes, as well as several newly understood variations of each disease. All have similar and equally important affects on your oral health.
The 3 main types of diabetes are:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Although each form of the disease has different treatment needs and underlying causes, if untreated they all result in high blood sugars and put you at greater risk for oral issues.
High blood sugars can lead to gum disease, and gum disease can cause high blood sugars, which can lead to gum disease, which can cause….see how this works? If you have diabetes, you cannot afford to ignore your oral health!
In our line of work as a Preston dentist, we regularly see the negative impact poor management of diabetes can have on oral health. And transversely, we see the impact poor oral health can have on the management of diabetes. The most common effects we see is bleeding gums and cavities, particularly at the gum line.
What do you need to do?
Here are a few guidelines to make sure your dental care is on track:
Brush and floss daily.
Make sure your dentist is aware of the fact that you have diabetes, as well as any medications you are taking for it.
Get regular dental check ups, and address any issues that come up quickly.
Keep your diabetes doctor aware of any oral conditions you are dealing with, so they can help monitor your medications and blood sugars while they are getting under control.
Call your dentist immediately if you notice any swelling or bleeding in your gums so a situation can be addressed before it becomes serious.
All forms of diabetes can be very challenging. Having a good health care team is a key factor in being successful. Your dentist is a key member of that team! By keeping on top of your oral health, you protect not only your smile, but your whole body.
I honestly had no idea that the health of our mouths could affect the health of our entire body! I find that very fascinating! It's so interesting that high blood sugar can lead to gum disease. I will definitely have to make sure my family is brushing their teeth daily! http://www.drclschneiderdentalcare.com/patients.html
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