Diabetes: How it Impacts Your Oral Health

There are many health issues that stem from having diabetes. Do you know one surprising issue that affects your oral health? If you are one of the thirty million people in the US with diabetes, you may want to listen up! 

 

Studies show that people suffering from diabetes are at an increased risk of developing gum disease. This means you should add gum disease to the list of health issues caused by diabetes which include: heart problems, stroke, kidney disease, and more. One thing about diabetes and gum disease is they work to develop one another. Yes, diabetes can cause you to develop gum disease, but if your gum disease is extreme enough it can cause you to develop diabetes. This is due to the fact that gum disease may negatively impact your blood glucose management.

Some of the reasons diabetes causes periodontal disease are below:

 

- You body has a decreased ability to fight infections.

- Your gum tissue does not receive as much blood flow.

- The sugar levels in your mouth increase.

 

If you have diabetes it is of the utmost importance to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis and see you dentist or periodontist for routine wellness visits. To maintain good overall health and wellness you must maintain good oral health and wellness. You can read about that in the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health, here.

 

If you would like to make an appointment at Periodontal Associates of Jackson please call our office at 601-956-1230, or use the appointment form on our contact page.