Diabetes and Oral Health
by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
Read Diabetes and Oral Health by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases today. In fact, 29.1 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and millions more living with the condition don’t even know they have it.
You may know that diabetes can eventually result in other health complications such as vision loss, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. But many are surprised to learn about the impact diabetes can have on your mouth.
Did You Know?
Diabetes is linked to oral infection and gum disease. This is important to know as periodontal, or gum disease affects 22 percent of the people who are diagnosed with diabetes. Even more startling is that one in five cases of total tooth loss is linked to diabetes. These statistics are distressing, but a proper understanding of the association between these two diseases is the first step in preventing complications.
Why Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?
We have billions of bacteria living in our mouths. If that bacteria is allowed to build up, it can lead to gum disease–swollen, bleeding gums as well as bone and tooth loss. Because people with diabetes have a decreased ability to fight off harmful bacteria, they are more susceptible to gum disease. Poor blood glucose control also increases the likelihood of gum problems.
The relationship between diabetes and gum disease, however, is two-way. Because infected gums are an easy access point for bacteria to enter the bloodstream, bacteria from the mouth can cause blood sugar spike and fluctuate, making diabetes harder to manage.
Beyond gum disease, there are other oral infections and problems associated with diabetes including thrush, dry mouth, cavities, and ulcers.
Let Us Help
Keeping us involved is the most important thing you can do to prevent gum disease and other oral complications linked to diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or if there are changes in your condition, let us know. Keeping us informed of your medications and your doctor’s recommended treatment plans is important. Plus! Make sure not to miss your dental appointments every six months or more, if deemed necessary.
Let’s Work Together!
Every aspect of you and your family’s health is important to us, not just the health of their mouth. If you have questions about we as dentists can help you manage your diabetes, contact us. We at Grove Smiles Dentistry in Coconut Grove are your partners in ensuring both your oral and overall health.
For Your Health,
Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
