Ever been nervous about smiling because of something stuck in your teeth? Showing off those pearly whites means that you care about taking care of them, too! Taking good care of your mouth is essential to general health and well-being—it even affects your self-esteem. Good oral health habits can help prevent pain and infections from tooth and gum disease.
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More Than Just A Sweet Tooth!
If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, or simply chronically elevated blood sugars, you are at an increased risk of developing dental problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and infections. In fact, any time you drink sweet drinks, eat sugary foods, or have elevated blood sugars, you need to take extra care of your teeth.
So What Does Diabetes Do To Your Teeth?
This is because diabetes can cause changes in the blood vessels, which can reduce the flow of blood to the gums and teeth. Additionally, people with diabetes may have reduced white blood cells and a decreased ability to fight off infection, which can also contribute to dental problems.
If the sugar level is high in your blood, it’s high in your saliva too. Bacteria in plaque in your mouth feed off this sugar, and can cause tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. If the tooth is not treated, it can also lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease can be more severe and take longer to heal if you have diabetes.
Here’s a quick look at how diabetes can take its toll on your oral health:
- You may have less saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry (Dry mouth is also caused by certain medicines)
- Your gums may become inflamed and bleed often (signs of gum disease)
- Infections take longer to heal
Take Care of Your Teeth
To maintain good dental health, always:
- Brush and floss at least twice a day
- Visit the dentist annually for check-ups and cleanings
- Monitor your blood sugar levels and keep them controlled
- Quit smoking, if you smoke
- Be aware of the symptoms of gum disease, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, and seek treatment as soon as possible
It is also important for people with diabetes to inform their dentist about their condition, so that they can take the necessary precautions to ensure their dental health.
Get to Grinning!
Keep that smile on your face, though! Take care of your teeth, and show them proudly! By practicing good hygiene and managing your glucose, you manage more than your blood sugar—you’re helping to prevent gum disease and other infections in your mouth. If you have diabetes, make sure your dentist is aware so they can treat you properly.