Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. People with diabetes have higher-than-normal levels of blood sugar, which can cause a variety of health problems. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both serious diseases that affect the body’s ability to process glucose, or sugar, into energy that the body needs in order to function properly. This can cause a number of symptoms, including fatigue, high blood sugar, hunger, sudden weight loss, blurred vision, and infections. These can lead to gum disease in diabetics because the disease makes it harder for the body to fight off infection and maintain good oral health habits. This leads to an increased risk of gum disease for people with diabetes.

How Can Diabetes Affect Your Oral Health?

High blood glucose levels can directly lead to gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States. Gum disease can cause a variety of oral health problems, including bad breath, bleeding gums, gum recession, and even loose teeth! Having untreated gum disease can also put your overall health at risk. Studies have shown a link between gum disease and diabetes complications such as heart disease. Thankfully, with regular dental care and proper at-home care, you can avoid this connection and stay healthy and happy.

How Can You Prevent Diabetes?

Poor oral health increases your risk for diabetes and makes it harder to manage it if you already have the condition. That’s why it’s so important to practice good oral hygiene habits and maintain regular dentist appointments. Here are some ways you can reduce your risk of getting diabetes:

• Maintain a healthy diet. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, nuts, and healthy oils like avocado or olive oil. Avoid sugary foods and drinks that can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Get regular exercise. Try to exercise for at least half an hour daily on most days of the week. This will help keep your weight under control and may lower your chances of developing diabetes.
• Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products. This puts you at greater risk of developing diabetes and other serious health problems. Talk to your doctor if you currently use tobacco and would like to quit.
• Manage stress in healthy ways. Try to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, overeating, and using drugs to cope with stress. Instead, try practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, journaling, and getting enough sleep each night.

We request you schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (602) 237-7878 or reach out through online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.