Blog Post

The Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health

  • By Marie Simon Dentistry
  • •
  • 18 Jul, 2019
  • •
teenager with diabetes having a dentist check his overall oral health

If you have diabetes, you know that it can affect your whole body, from the circulation in your feet to the blood vessels in your eyes. There is also a link between diabetes and your oral health as well. Poor management of your diabetes can lead to problems like periodontitis and vice versa. Serious gum disease may have a negative effect on blood glucose control.

What Are the Risks?

No matter if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the maintenance of blood sugar levels are key to minimizing oral health risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, "the higher your blood sugar levels, the higher your risk of":

  • Tooth decay or cavities
  • Early gum disease or gingivitis
  • Advanced gum disease or periodontitis
  • Thrush
  • Dry mouth or xerostomia

Prevention

Make sure that your dentist's team is aware of your medical status, that way they can give you advice suited to your needs. The American Dental Association has put together an action plan for those living with diabetes to ensure that both your oral and physical health is in optimal condition:

  • Keep your blood sugar levels under control: use your medications as directed, diet, and exercise
  • Quit smoking
  • Clean your dentures daily
  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and don't forget to floss
  • See your dentist for regular checkups

Fight Diabetes With Your Dentist

Research has actually shown that treating gum disease has decreased the progression of diabetes by improving blood sugar control in patients. With good oral hygiene practices and deep cleanings done by a dentist, HbA1c levels can be lowered over time. Work with your dental team to create a plan that will fight back against diabetes so you can maintain optimal oral and physical health.

Learn More About Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health

Contact one of the dental experts at Marie Simon Dentistry today to make an appointment and discuss how to maintain your diabetes through dental wellness.

Improve Your Smile With a Crown or Bridge

By Marie Simon Dentistry • July 22, 2019
Smiles are one of the main ways we connect and communicate with one another that leaves a lasting impression on the people around us. Learn more about using crowns and bridges to restore your smile.

Effects of Sleep Apnea on Oral Health

By Marie Simon Dentistry • July 19, 2019
If you frequently have difficulty sleeping or wake up at night as a result of excessive snoring, you may be experiencing sleep apnea, a common type of sleep disorder. Learn more here.

Mouth Guards Save Teeth

By Marie Simon Dentistry • July 19, 2019
You might think of a mouth guard as something that a football or hockey player wear when they are playing contact sports. While that is one use of a mouth guard, there are many other uses for mouth guards that can help save people's teeth.

Improve Your Oral Health With Periodontal Therapy

By Marie Simon Dentistry • July 19, 2019
In order to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, it is essential to care for the gums and bones that surround the teeth and keep them in place. Your dentist may recommend periodontal therapy if your gums or other tissues are damaged enough to impact the health of your teeth.

Do You Have Dry Mouth?

By Marie Simon Dentistry • July 18, 2019
Do you find yourself constantly thirsty, despite having a lot of water to drink? You may be experiencing dry mouth. Learn more about having dry mouth.

Choose Nutritious Snacks to Boost Your Kids' Oral Health

By Marie Simon Dentistry • July 18, 2019
Providing healthy meals and snacks for children during the summer can be a challenge for many parents. Here are a few examples of healthy snacks to maintain your children's oral health.

Prevent and Treat Tooth Sensitivity to Avoid Tooth Pain

By Marie Simon Dentistry • July 17, 2019
Tooth sensitivity describes a sudden, sharp pain that may be caused by one of several typical sources. If you often experience pain while eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, you may have a common, yet easily treatable, form of tooth sensitivity.

Get the Most out of Your Smile

By Marie Simon Dentistry • May 24, 2019
A Smile Makeovers is a procedure that intends to restore a smile. The actual procedure can include a variety of different procedures based on the individual needs of the patient we are treating.

How to Care for Your Teeth as You Get Older

By Marie Simon Dentistry • May 23, 2019
As people get older, it can be more difficult to properly care for their teeth. Learn more about the aging process of teeth and what can be done to help prevent or mitigate any damage.

Choosing the Best Toothbrush

By Marie Simon Dentistry • May 22, 2019
Toothbrushes have been around for centuries and have long been a key tool in helping eliminate tooth exposure to substances that could cause harm. Where toothbrushes originally came from may surprise many people!
Show More
Share by: