Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes: The Importance of Maintaining Good Oral Health

Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes can feel devastating. It can impact your overall health, quality of life and even how long you live. The treatment and recommended lifestyle changes may seem overwhelming and hard to accept, but one of them you probably haven’t thought about is pretty straightforward.

Doctors and scientists agree that if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes keeping your mouth healthy is a priority. Here’s why.

Your mouth is home to viruses, fungi and about 700 different species of bacteria. Many of these have the potential to cause systemic inflammation or infections in your mouth that can impact your ability to manage blood sugar, control diabetes and protect your health. They may also contribute to other conditions like heart disease, cancer and dementia.

When our hygienists clean your teeth or perform Guided Biofilm Therapy, they are not just polishing your teeth, they are helping re-balance your oral microbiome of organisms to prevent dangerous inflammation and infections.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common oral infections and the one most studied by scientists exploring the impact of oral health on overall health. While it may seem easy to brush it off when your dentist or hygienist says you have gum disease, the consequences can be serious.

Studies also show that there is a link between diabetes and poor oral health that creates a cycle of disease.

1.     Infections and inflammation in your mouth can impact your ability to control your blood sugar and make your diabetes worse.

2.     And, the high blood sugar caused by diabetes feeds the bacteria in your mouth, contributing to a higher risk of gum disease, infections, cavities and other dental problems.

This is a cycle you will want to break and it’s not that hard to do.

• Follow your doctor’s guidance for maintaining blood sugar levels
• Be sure to let your dentist know about your diabetes
• Brush and floss daily
• Visit your dentist and dental hygienist as often as they recommend

Remember: Dental care is not just about teeth anymore. It’s an important part of your diabetic health care, as well.

Here at KN Dentistry, we understand the importance of controlling this cycle between oral health problems and diabetes. We would love to become part of your health care team and promise to take great care of you. Give us a call!

KN Dentistry – Orange, CA – (714) 633-2562

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