Follow the link to participate in a short quiz and to be entered into our weekly participation drawing!
Why Dental Care Is Especially Important for People With Diabetes
Here’s why staying on top of dental care is so important:
1. Higher Risk of Gum Disease
High blood sugar levels can weaken your body’s ability to fight infection. This makes people with diabetes more likely to develop gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). If left untreated, gum disease can cause gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
2. Gum Disease Can Raise Blood Sugar
It goes both ways! Gum infections can make it harder to control blood sugar, creating a cycle of inflammation. Good dental care helps support better diabetes management.
3. Slower Healing
Diabetes can slow down the healing process. This means oral infections, sores, or surgeries (like tooth extractions) may take longer to heal. Preventing problems before they start is key.
4. Higher Risk of Cavities
When blood sugar is elevated, there’s more sugar in your saliva. This can feed bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
5. Dry Mouth
Diabetes can cause dry mouth, which reduces saliva—a natural protector against cavities and infection. Dry mouth can also lead to burning sensations or difficulty chewing and swallowing.
________________________________________
Tips for Protecting Your Oral Health with Diabetes
Keep blood sugar levels as stable as possible
Brush twice a day and floss daily
Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Let your dentist know if your blood sugar has changed or if you notice bleeding gums, bad breath, or mouth sores
Stay hydrated to reduce dry mouth
________________________________________
Taking care of your mouth is a powerful way to support your overall health—and your diabetes management. A healthy smile is part of a healthy body!