Diabetes & Oral Health

Diabetes is a chronic condition that prevents the body from properly processing food into energy. When food isn’t properly converted to energy, the body gets some of its energy from fat. As a result, the excess sugar in the blood can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the mouth.

Risk of Oral Health Problems From Diabetes

The blood sugar of the body has a direct effect on the mouth and teeth. That’s because the body uses sugar for energy, but too much sugar in the bloodstream can cause damage to organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver, as well as the nerves of the mouth. When the body can’t use all the sugar for energy, it stores the excess as fat. Over time, this can lead to obesity, which can also affect your oral health.

High blood glucose levels can cause dry mouth, which is when there is not enough saliva to wash away bacteria and food particles from the teeth and gums. A dry mouth also makes it easier for the bacteria that cause gum disease to thrive. Gum disease can then cause swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss.

People with diabetes are also more likely to be diagnosed with an oral health problem and have poor healing after being treated for one. This means that gum disease or other oral health issues may be harder to treat in people with this condition. This is why it’s important to be extra diligent about brushing and flossing regularly and having regular cleanings and exams at our dental practice in St. Louis, MO. This will help protect your teeth as well as your overall health.

Diabetic Oral Care Tips

Managing diabetes requires keeping blood sugar levels under control, which can be difficult and frustrating for many people. This frustration can make someone more likely to neglect his or her oral health. In fact, research has shown that people who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop gingivitis than people who are not diabetic. And having gum disease is a risk factor for developing other serious health conditions like heart disease. So it’s extremely important to take care of your teeth when you have diabetes! Here are a few ways to keep your mouth healthy if you have the condition.

• Brush twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Floss daily. If you don’t floss, you’re leaving food and bacteria in your mouth. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay. If you have trouble flossing, ask your dentist about using an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
• Control your carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates can get broken down into sugar in your saliva, which can lead to cavities. Avoid foods high in carbs and sugar. A healthy diet is important for diabetics, so talk to your physician or dietitian about what to include in your diet.
• Remember to schedule your regular cleanings and exams at your dentist’s office. Your dentist will be able to identify any problems early and recommend treatments to prevent complications later.

If you are suffering from diabetes, contact Healthy Smiles of Saint Louis at 4224 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63109, or call (314) 832-1366.