Learn About Diabetes & Gum Disease

Diabetes is a disease that results form your body not producing insulin or not using, so your sugar levels rise higher than normal.

This is insulin resistance. Over time your pancreas can’t keep up so lifestyle changes are needed as well as medication.

Over 29 million Americans are affected by diabetes, with one in four people not knowing they have the disease. Another 86 million adults, which is one in three, have pre-diabetes.

Dickson dentists know that sometimes diabetes and gum disease goes hand in hand.

Periodontal disease can increase your risk of diabetes complications since it increases oral bacteria and impacts your blood sugar levels.

The Link Between Diabetes and Gum Disease

It is often said that gum disease and diabetes is a two-way street since diabetics tend to be more susceptible to periodontal disease and periodontitis can affect blood glucose and contribute to worsening diabetes.

To make matters worse, diabetics have a decreased ability to fight bacteria like the rest of the population. There are other complications that can result from diabetes and periodontitis including dry mouth, soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.

How to Prevent Diabetes-Related Dental Problems

  • Control your blood glucose level
  • Healthy diet
  • Exercise and weight-loss
  • Regular visits to the dentist’s office
  • Get a new toothbrush every four months
  • Brush your tongue to remove germs
  • Thorough brushing and flossing regularly
  • Cleaning plaque away so it doesn’t become tartar
  • Keep your dentist informed of any new medications
  • Keep your dentist informed about the progression of diabetes
  • Control your Hemoglobin A1C levels to be < 8.5% for dental work to be performed. Good control is < 6.5%

If you’re a diabetic who lives in Dickson, Tennessee, visit Dr. Gatgens at Accent Smile Center for help with dental health. We’ll closely monitor the condition of your teeth and assist you in staying healthy.