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Did you know that there is a strong link between diabetes and oral health? It may surprise you to learn that the health of your mouth can have a significant impact on your blood sugar levels and vice versa. Whether you're living with diabetes or just want to maintain optimal dental hygiene, read on to discover what you need to know about this important topic!

Introduction to Diabetes and Oral Health

If you have diabetes, you may be at risk for developing serious oral health problems. That's because diabetes can cause changes in the levels of sugar and other chemicals in your saliva and plaque, which can lead to an increase in dental cavities and gum disease.

In order to help prevent these problems, it's important to keep your blood sugar under control and to see your dentist regularly. Here's what you need to know about the link between diabetes and oral health.

Diabetes can cause changes in the level of sugar in your saliva, which can promote the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. To help prevent cavities, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

Diabetes can also cause changes in the level of plaque on your teeth, which can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the tissue and bone that support your teeth. To help prevent gum disease, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

The Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health

The link between diabetes and oral health is a two-way street. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can, in turn, cause blood sugar levels to rise. This can create a vicious cycle, as high blood sugar levels make it harder for the body to fight infections, including gum disease.

People with diabetes are also more likely to develop thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth. Thrush is more common in people with uncontrolled diabetes, as high blood sugar levels provide the perfect environment for fungus to thrive.

Oral health problems can also make it difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. For example, if you have gum disease, your body may have difficulty absorbing insulin. This can make it harder to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Diabetes can have a number of different effects on oral health. One of the most common is gum disease, which can occur more frequently and be more severe in people with diabetes. Diabetes can also cause changes in the way that the mouth heals from injury, making it more difficult to recover from things like dental surgery or mouth sores. A dry mouth is another common side effect of diabetes, which can lead to increased bacterial growth and increased risk of cavities.

Ways to Manage Diabetes and Oral Health

If you have diabetes, you may be at increased risk for oral health problems. Here are some tips to help you manage your diabetes and oral health:

• See your dentist regularly. You should see your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup.
• Brush and floss daily. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet is important for overall health, including oral health. Be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
• Quit smoking. Smoking is bad for your overall health, including your oral health. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.

Conclusion

Diabetes and oral health are undeniably linked. People with diabetes have an increased risk of dental problems, such as gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, and dry mouth. It is essential to practice good oral hygiene habits and control your blood sugar levels in order to ensure optimal oral health. If you or someone you know has diabetes, it's important to make sure they visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings that can help prevent major dental complications from occurring due to high blood glucose levels.

To learn more about our dental procedures, schedule an appointment with Bergeron Dental by calling us at (907) 456-5600 or visiting our dental office located at 3112 Airport Way, Suite 2, Fairbanks, AK 99709.