If you have diabetes, you’re probably used to having to find and research ways to mitigate health complications. You might not be too surprised to learn that gum disease should also be on your radar, because – you guessed it – diabetes increases your risk.
You’ve heard it all before. “You need to maintain a nutritious, hygienic, and healthy lifestyle.” Of course this is true, but you’d probably like to know why diabetes increases your risk and how you can tell when you have gum disease. For information that’s a bit outside the norm, keep reading.
Diabetics Produce Less Saliva
Saliva isn’t just for spittin’. It’s for cleanin’. Believe it or not, this sticky substance helps wash bacteria out of your mouth. Since your body can’t make as much as the average Joe, your mouth is likely collecting more bacteria, which contributes to gum disease. Now that’s gross.
Diabetics Have Sugary Saliva
You read that correctly. Since you tend to have lots and lots of blood sugar, glucose gets trapped in your saliva – the exact substance that’s resting in your mouth all day. Your sweetened spit fuels the very bacteria it was meant to destroy, which ultimately results in plaque and tartar setting up camp near your gumline. Before you know it – voila! – gum disease.
How Gum Disease Affects You and Your Diabetes
Gum disease isn’t fun for anyone, but for those with diabetes, it creates a vicious cycle. Your condition raises your blood sugar levels, which can contribute to gum disease. Well, gum disease can also raise your blood sugar levels. Which in turn can result in more gum disease.
Obviously, you don’t want your diabetes to be harder to manage than it already is. Fortunately, many of the early symptoms of gum disease are fairly noticeable if you’re on the lookout for them, and if you and your dentist can spot it before it spreads, it could be treatable.
Gum Disease Symptoms
You might experience tooth aches or severe tooth sensitivity, but some other signs of gum disease in those with diabetes include:
- Swollen, puffy, or inflamed gums
- Gums that are bright red instead of pink
- Bleeding gums, or gums that bleed easily when flossing or brushing
- A receding gumline or teeth that appear longer
- Frequent and persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
These apply to everyone, but if diabetes is in the picture for you, you should pay close attention to the soft tissues inside your mouth. If your diabetes has reduced your ability to taste, it might be more difficult to know when you develop cuts or sores. These areas can become hideaways for infection and eventually gum disease.
Something like that might be tricky to spot yourself. Remember that you’re not alone – your dentist can investigate your mouth, and help you look for early signs of gum disease. They can also perform professional oral cleanings to rinse out bacteria missed (or left behind) by your saliva and work off stubborn tartar and plaque. Even if you know to brush twice a day and floss every day, having a dentist in your corner is sure to give your health a boost!
About the Practice
Our team at Deer Park Family Dentistry values their patients and enjoy getting to know them. We’d be happy to consult with you about the details of your health history and how it could affect your teeth. Whether you need treatment, want preventative care, or have questions, you can contact our office at 281-479-2841. For more information about our services, visit our website.