Diabetes is a condition that impacts your body’s ability to break down sugar. The CDC estimates it affects 29 million Americans, with even more suffering from a condition called prediabetes. The connection between oral health and diabetes isn’t an obvious one. But whether you have Type I diabetes, where you do not produce enough insulin to process sugar, or Type II diabetes, where your body produces too much insulin, your dental care routine has more influence on your overall health than you might think. Let’s take a look at the connection between diabetes and oral health.
Diabetes Symptoms
Many of the symptoms of diabetes are tied to oral health. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of diabetes.
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- High blood sugar
- Weight loss
- Chronic fatigue
- Cavities and tooth decay
- Dry mouth
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Altered taste buds
Moreover, children with diabetes often experience premature tooth eruption.
Diabetes & Teeth
Gum disease is a progressive disease where bacteria and plaque build up under your gum line. It is usually caused by inconsistent oral hygiene, poor diet, or other preexisting conditions. The telltale signs of gum disease are bleeding and swollen gums, dry mouth, and bad breath. If you suffer from diabetes, you are at increased risk of developing dry mouth, which in turn can accelerate gum disease.
Oral Health Care & Diabetes
If you have diabetes you’ll want to pay special attention to your oral health. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can to help mitigate decay or tooth loss. At Hillstream Dental, we offer deep cleanings in addition to routine cleanings and exams. Controlling your gum disease and maintaining good oral health when you have diabetes can help stabilize your blood sugar and improve your overall health.
Affordable & Comprehensive Dental Care in Rochester Hills & St. Clair Shores, MI
At Hillstream Dental, our mission is to empower patients of all backgrounds to have beautiful, healthy smiles. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, you are at an increased risk of developing gum disease. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We are conveniently located in Rochester Hills and St. Clair Shores. Call the office or click the contact link to schedule an appointment.
