Celebrate Diabetes Awareness Month With a Dental Checkup
November 30, 2015
November is a time to give thanks for the many good things in our lives. Hopefully good health is one of those items we’re thankful for. November also happens to be Diabetes Awareness Month. In the U.S. alone, 9.3 percent of the population had diabetes as of 2012. Of these, 1.25 million adults and children suffered from type 1, sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes. In the hopes of raising awareness for all types of this disease, getting in for a checkup with your dentist is a great idea.
How Are Diabetes and Gum Disease Connected?
As with much of the U.S. population, gum disease in Indianapolis, IN, is far more prevalent than it should be. What does caring for your teeth have to do with the development of an autoimmune disease? In the past it was thought that bacteria was the culprit. By not brushing your teeth, bacteria is allowed to grow and spread. Every time you swallow, you end up swallowing some of that bacteria, which can get into other areas of your body.
It is now also thought that inflammation may play a role in the connection between gum disease (periodontitis) and systemic diseases. In particular, with diabetes, some research has shown that the worse the gum disease is in a patient, the worse the diabetes symptoms are.
What Can You Do?
Some types of the disease are genetic, and the only thing afflicted individuals can do is try to lead a healthy life to minimize the effects. For type 2, individuals should establish healthy habits to reduce the chance of developing diabetes. Because there is such a strong link between the disease and periodontitis, getting in for a regular checkup to head off gum disease is an important step.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Diabetes is a serious disease that afflicts many individuals. Developing healthy habits can help to minimize its effects, and that means getting in for your regular dental checkup. Schedule an appointment with Dr. E. Dale Behner today by calling 317-348-3922.