If you’re an American reading this, there’s an almost 10% chance that you have diabetes. About 1.7 million people are diagnosed with diabetes each year, and millions more currently have it without even knowing. As more and more people develop this condition, it is becoming clear in medical research that people with diabetes have a higher risk of getting gum disease. If you have diabetes, here’s what a dentist in St. Augustine wants you to know about taking care of your smile and your health.
The Link Between Diabetes & Gum Disease
You, along with everyone you know, have more bacteria living in your mouth than there are people on Earth. Some strains are beneficial, but others can cause harm. If too many bad bacteria build up on your gums, you may develop an infection called gum disease. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, starts out with mild symptoms, like red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, or gums that bleed when you brush or floss. However, if gingivitis progresses into the next stage, periodontitis, the structures keeping your teeth in place become permanently damaged. Your teeth may loosen or even fall out!
Gum disease is much more common among people with diabetes. In fact, it affects nearly 22% of those diagnosed with diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels make it harder for your body to fight infections. Similarly, advanced gum disease may cause elevated blood sugar levels that are more difficult to control.
That’s why it’s crucial that if you have diabetes, you learn how to protect yourself against gum disease.
Tips for Preventing Gum Disease
Whether or not you have diabetes, here are some tips to keep gum disease at bay:
- Floss every night before bed.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two full minutes at a time.
- Avoid beverages that are very acidic, like lemon juice, energy drinks, and soda. They can erode your tooth enamel, increasing your risk of infection and decay.
- If you smoke or chew tobacco, consider quitting. Your dentist or doctor should be able to provide you with resources to help.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. At these preventive visits, your dentist can spot the warning signs of gum disease and help you treat it early on.
- And of course, follow the guidance of your endocrinologist or primary care physician to maintain good control of your blood sugar.
Having diabetes might make you more likely to develop gum disease, but there are still plenty of ways you can avoid it. When in doubt, ask your dentist in St. Augustine about the best way you can protect your smile!
About the Author
At Salt Run Family Dentistry, we provide a variety of dental services for the people in St. Augustine, FL and its nearby communities. Each of our dentists, Dr. Leth, Dr. Tavary, and Dr. Wall, bring their own unique expertise to our practice. We’re able to detect and target gum disease in its early stages and preserve your smile. To learn more about keeping your smile safe from the complications of diabetes, contact us by calling 904-824-3540.