As November comes to an end, it is important to pause and reflect that this month has been American Diabetes Month. Nearly 26 million Americans suffer from this disease, and millions more are at risk of developing it. An often-overlooked component in controlling diabetes is maintaining good oral health. Your Ankeny family dentist, Dr. Amanda Foust, discusses what diabetics can do to make sure their teeth and gums are as healthy as they can be.
Diabetes and Gum Disease
For many diabetics, it is a challenge to maintain healthy gums. That is because people with diabetes are more prone to bacterial infections. That’s exactly what periodontal, or gum disease is—a bacterial invasion of the gums. While bacteria occurs naturally in the mouth, too much of it can start destroying healthy gums. With a reduced ability to fight off out-of-control bacteria naturally, diabetics must remain vigilant for all signs of and take the proper precautions to ensure that periodontal disease does not gain a toehold in their mouths. Long-term failure to do so could result in the loss of teeth. Poor oral health can also lead directly to a rise in blood sugar, making the condition that much harder to control.
Other Oral Health Issues
Unfortunately, gum disease isn’t the only oral health issue diabetics have to worry about. Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue. The condition, which can be difficult to eradicate, can lead to white hued discoloration throughout the mouth as well as to painful lesions and cracked lips. Diabetics are also prone to dry mouth. This condition results in reduced production of saliva, which is critical to the removal of bacteria from the mouth. Bacteria, which already thrives in the mouth of a diabetic, can get even worse if dry mouth is also present.
Schedule Your Ankeny Family Dental Visit
Diabetic patients must make the time to maintain good oral health. Twice-daily brushing of the mouth and tongue and a daily flossing are the first lines of defense against gum disease. It is also very important for diabetics to be sure to have semi-annual checkups with their dentists. All diabetics must keep their dentists informed about any changes to their condition. At Dental Impressions, we offer comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages. If it is time for your next visit, contact our 50021 family dentistry office by calling (515) 965-0230 to schedule an appointment today. We welcome patients from Ankeny, Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman, and all surrounding communities.
