Diabetes & Oral Health

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects how your body processes sugar. Another aspect of the disease is a reduced resistance to infection and decreased or slower healing. It is estimated that around 20 million people have diabetes but more than half of those people are undiagnosed. There’s a dental connection too. Because of the reduced healing and increased susceptibility to infections, people with diabetes are more prone to developing oral infections as well as periodontal disease, when compared to those without diabetes, a two-fold problem for diabetics. Diabetics are more prone to periodontal disease, which is the chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible destruction of the tissues and tooth loss. Also, serious periodontal disease has the potential to affect a diabetics blood sugar control which in turn reduces healing ability and further increases the susceptibility to infection. Diabetes can also cause other oral problems such as thrush or candidiasis (a yeast infection in the mouth) and dry mouth. This can lead to soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities. Diabetes is a serious disease that affects many aspects of our health. Its important to keep your blood sugar under control and see a physician regularly to maintain good health. Also, you should be seeing a dentist regularly to help keep your oral health pristine and aid in maintaining good overall health.]]>