The Many Oral Health Issues Created by Diabetes
December 2, 2015
It’s no coincidence that every time you visit your periodontist in Rockville, MD, you are virtually inundated with information meant to highlight the most common gum disease dangers. Pay close attention, and you will see that chief among them is diabetes. While the health complications that can accompany gum and periodontal disease may seem small to you, knowing that they it can complicate conditions such as diabetes is likely enough to grab your undivided attention.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
Why does diabetes often lead to gum disease? Much of it has to do with the fact that diabetes can compromise your body’s immune system, making it more difficult for you to fight off infections that can lead to the development of gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Once gum disease has taken a hold in your mouth, the elevated blood sugar levels commonly linked to diabetes can cause it to get worse.
Other Potential Problems
Yet an increased risk for gum disease isn’t the only problem that diabetes presents to your oral health. High glucose levels and even certain diabetic medications are also known to cause dry mouth. Fortunately, as is the case with gum disease, these risks can be managed. You simply need to take the following steps:
- Chew sugar-free gum regularly
- Use mouth gels
- Eat sugar-free candy to help promote saliva production
Another complication that your diabetes presents to your dental care is limiting your options when it comes to over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments. Concentrations of certain components can exacerbate the effects of diabetes. To know which of products are safe for you to use, simply ask Dr. Rice.
Diabetes is estimated to adversely affect over 18 million people in the U.S. alone. Yet you, just like any of the others in that group, need not resign yourself to the idea that gum disease and other oral health complications are inevitable. The truth is that you retain a good majority of the control over whether or not diabetes ever leads to your developing gum disease. By supporting a strong oral care routine with frequent check-ups with Dr. Rice, you can still maintain good dental despite your having diabetes. Call us here at the Advanced Laser Gum Surgery Institute of Washington to schedule an appointment today.