The Dental Patient's Guide to Diabetes and Your Oral Health
Dentists have long known that your oral health and overall wellbeing are closely linked. Although the conditions may seem separate, there is a close link between periodontal or gum disease and diabetes. To learn more about these conditions and how good oral health can help prevent or manage diabetes, keep reading.
Preventing Diabetes
Although the link between the two diseases is not clear, researchers have found that over the course of a 20-year study, people who suffered from untreated dental and gum infections were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Even localized infections can weaken or damage other parts of the body, resulting in a suppressed immune system response and a higher resistance to insulin, which can lead to increased risk for the development of diabetes. Maintaining good oral health through regular care and visits to your dentist can help promote better overall health in all aspects of your life.
Managing Diabetes
Dental patients with diabetes are more likely to suffer from gum disease. They also tend to suffer from more severe cases of periodontitis than people without diabetes. While gum disease is not a side effect of diabetes, it results from infection, to which diabetics have a heightened risk. Additionally, gum disease and related inflammation can cause heightened levels of blood sugar which can be dangerous to diabetics. Seeing your dentist regularly and receiving prompt treatment for periodontal disease has been proven to help lower blood sugar in diabetics, which in turn promotes better health. Better management of your dental health can result in significantly better control of your diabetes, so it’s especially important for diabetics to remember to see their dentist regularly.
Keep your teeth, gums, and body healthy with regular dental checkups at Cascade Dental of Vancouver. We have three convenient locations, each staffed with skilled, friendly dentists and hygienists who understand how to best treat all your dental needs. To find out more about us, visit our website or call (360) 213-1999 to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
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