What is the connection between Diabetes and dental health?

diabetes

If you are someone who has diabetes, it is even more critical for you to take care of your teeth. Many diabetics do not realize the health connection between their diabetes and their dental health. Unfortunately, diabetics have a higher chance of developing certain oral health issues such as periodontal gum disease, fungal infections (thrush), tooth decay, and halitosis. If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop oral health issues. Diabetics need to visit their dentist more regularly to ensure they receive the proper treatment to maintain their overall dental health. If you have diabetes, please schedule an appointment with one of our skilled and adept general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ. In addition, keep reading to learn how diabetes is linked to your dental health. 

How is diabetes linked to dental health?

Firstly, diabetes is a chronic health condition that occurs when your blood glucose is too high. Essentially, it affects how your body turns food into energy. It develops when your pancreas does not make enough insulin. Diabetes affects people of all ages and is manageable with medications. However, if individuals do not make certain life changes it could result in serious health problems such as heart disease, nerve damage, and eye issues. To many people’s surprise, it can also lead to serious dental health issues. If you have diabetes, it is imperative to regularly check your mouth for irregularities.

If you have diabetes you may experience dry mouth which happens when you do not have enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Dry mouths can lead to soreness, tooth decay, and serious infections. When you have a dry mouth, fungal infections can occur such as thrush. If you notice white patches in your mouth and experience significant pain, you likely have thrush. As mentioned above, diabetes can also increase your chances of developing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and tooth loss. If you suspect you may have any of these dental issues, it is critical to visit your dentist to ensure you receive the proper treatment. Ultimately, if you control your blood glucose you will be able to prevent serious mouth problems.

For more information on the connection between diabetes and dental health, please visit our dedicated team members. Our seasoned dentists can give you helpful tips on how to prevent mouth problems that are usually linked to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes it is important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure you are maintaining your overall oral health. Schedule an appointment with us today so we can help you improve your dental health.

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