Connection Between Diabetes & Oral Health
September 23, 2021 7:11 pm |Have you ever heard the saying, “The mouth is the gateway to the body”? It’s a popular phrase in dental circles, and it refers to how interconnected dental health is with your overall wellness. In fact, there are many diseases that may present themselves as a symptom in the mouth first, which is why dentists can often spot medical issues before you’ve had a chance to visit your general physician.
The connection between diabetes and oral health is a prime example of this. Many people do not realize that having diabetes can affect your dental wellness in a number of different ways. Here are some examples:
Infection Response
Having diabetes makes you more vulnerable to infections. This is because high blood sugar levels are known to weaken an immune system. That in turn means that you’re more at risk of developing a dental-related infection such as gum disease or thrush (a type of fungal infection in the mouth).
It’s not just diabetes that affects your dental health. The reverse can also happen. The inflammation and infection that comes along with gum disease can also make your blood sugar rise. That means it becomes more difficult to control your diabetes.
Saliva Production
Dry mouth is a common symptom of diabetes. The problem is, dry mouth also opens the door to other dental issues. When you don’t produce enough saliva, that means you may not have sufficient saliva to rinse away the debris and bacteria that can lead to cavities. Healthy saliva production is an essential part of having a healthy mouth.
If you have diabetes and you want to make sure you’re doing everything possible to protect your oral health, give us a call at Vista Ridge Family Dentistry. Our Cedar Park dental team is standing by to answer any questions you might have and to create a personalized treatment plan with our various services so you can enjoy life with a beautiful, healthy smile.
Categorised in: Blog, Diabetes & Oral Health, Family Dental Care