Dear Patients,
As your trusted dental care provider, I want to address an important health concern that affects many individuals: diabetes. Diabetes impacts your overall health and has significant implications for your oral well-being. Understanding this connection is vital to maintaining your dental health and effective diabetes management.
How Diabetes Affects Your Mouth
If you’re managing diabetes, you’re probably aware of its impact on various parts of your body. But did you know it can also affect your mouth? High blood sugar levels can lead to more sugar in your saliva, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause plaque buildup, leading to gum disease. Gum disease can make it tougher to control your blood sugar, creating a vicious cycle.
Dry Mouth and Other Concerns
Another issue to watch out for is dry mouth, or xerostomia. Diabetes can reduce saliva flow, and since saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids, less of it can mean more cavities and infections. Plus, people with diabetes are more prone to fungal infections like thrush. This condition leads to creamy white lesions, often on the tongue or inner cheeks, and can extend to the roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils, or throat.
Keeping Your Smile Healthy
So, what can you do? First, keeping your blood sugar levels in check is key—not just for your overall health but for your oral health, too. Regular dental visits are a must; they help us catch and treat issues early. And don’t forget your daily routine: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing can go a long way in preventing problems.
If you’re noticing things like swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath that won’t go away, or a dry mouth, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 440.354.0705. Addressing these signs early can prevent bigger issues down the road. Together, we can keep your smile bright and your diabetes well-managed.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Soria, DDS
