If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, then the ramifications go beyond just the pancreas and your body’s ability to process insulin. Researchers have discovered a phenomenon called oral systematic connection, which refers to the relationship between the health of your oral cavity and that of the rest of your body. An example of this is with diabetes. The latter and your oral health affect each other, and as you read on, your dentist in Greensboro will explain how diabetes can impact your oral health.
Diabetes and Oral Health Connected?
Recent research shows that untreated diabetes can have a serious impact on your oral health. The data show that 22 percent of the people diagnosed with this condition have some form of gum disease. Furthermore, one in five cases of tooth loss is connected with diabetes.
How Diabetes Affects Teeth and Gums
The main nemesis you face when it comes to your oral health is the bacterium. It is constantly looking for leftover food particles and sugar to feed on, which then fuel its acid production. Sugar is one of the favored sources of sustenance for bacteria, so given that diabetes results from a disproportionate amount of glucose remaining in the bloodstream, the natural chain of events is for there to eventually be gum infection.
Conversely, the latest findings show that gum disease can cause insulin spikes that, over a period of time, can lead to diabetes. This symbiotic cycle of decay can be stopped, though, with proper prevention and care.
How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease
To prevent gum disease, you should be sure to do the following:
- Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing your teeth on a consistent basis helps to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that can cause havoc. Each type of cleaning should be done in conjunction with the other to provide the greatest protection.
- Make Healthier Selections – Limiting the amount of snack foods you eat not only protects your teeth but also prevents the formation of diabetes. Look to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, and drink more water instead of sodas and juices.
- Maintain Regular Dental Visits – Visiting your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and check-ups also serves as a tremendous aid in preventing both gum disease and diabetes. While there, the two main things that will happen are that you’ll get an expert cleaning and will be thoroughly examined to make sure that no problems are lurking.
If you’re suffering from gum disease, though, your dentist may recommend changes in the way you brush your teeth, special products to aid in removing the harmful bacteria and procedures like a scaling and root planing for more acute cases of decay.
This procedure involves the dentist pulling back the gums to clean the pockets and then to smooth the surface of the roots, so they will attract less bacteria.
More and more health professionals are discovering the connections between all parts of the human body, which means there are also alternative methods to be considered for maintaining total wellness. To get help with creating the type of environment in your mouth that’s conducive to your overall health, reach out to your dentist today to schedule an appointment!
About the Author
Dr. David Fisher earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since then, he’s gone on to provide expert care for nearly two decades. To stay abreast of the latest changes in the world of dentistry, Dr. Fisher maintains membership in several professional organizations. He helps patients lead healthier lives at his private practice and can be reached for more information through his website.