Uncontrolled type 1 or type 2 diabetes can ravage your heart, kidneys, brain, and pancreas.
While these complications of diabetes are well known, many don't realize the strong link between diabetes and oral health.
In fact, it's well documented that people with diabetes have much higher rates of oral health issues.
Everything from tooth loss to gum disease becomes more likely as diabetes control worsens.
Does Diabetes Cause Oral Diseases? Even if you have diabetes, you're not destined to a toothless existence.
Studies show that diabetics who keep their sugar under control greatly reduce their risk of gum disease.
Interestingly, the relationship between your mouth and your diabetes is a two way street.
It's thought that your mouth isn't just a reflection of diabetes care...
but an influence of it.
For example, periodontal disease, a condition where excessive bacterial growth damages your gums, is known to elicit your body's stress response.
This stress response isn't confined to your gums...
your entire immune system springs into action.
While the coordination of your immune system is helpful in keeping infection in check, it also has the unfortunate side effect of making cells less sensitive to insulin.
Clean Mouth, Clean Bill of Health: Many researchers think that poor oral hygiene and high blood sugar are part of a vicious cycle.
As blood sugar rises, it makes your mouth more susceptible to infections.
As infections take hold, blood sugar rises.
It's no wonder that a study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that treating periodontal disease in diabetic populations greatly improved their glycemic control.
How To Stop The Cycle: If you just cannot seem to get your blood sugar under control even though you're doing "all the right things", it may be time to start taking better care of your mouth.
Treating infections in your mouth...
which oftentimes have no symptoms, may break the vicious cycle that's causing your out of control blood sugar levels.
Here's how: Say "ahhh": The most important step is to visit your dentist.
Only your dentist can give your mouth a clean bill of health, or if something is amiss, provide you with effective treatments.
Kick Butts: Smoking makes your mouth weak and ripe for infections.
You already know that smoking is a no-no for diabetes, but it also raises the risk of gum disease.
Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat: The basic tenets of oral hygiene: twice per day brushing, once per day flossing, and an occasional mouth rinse, do wonders for offsetting issues in your mouth that may manifest into hyperglycemia later.
Eat Right: As if you needed another incentive for choosing low glycemic index (low-GI) foods.
Your mom was right: sugary, high GI foods like granola bars, soda, and candy literally rot your teeth.
While these complications of diabetes are well known, many don't realize the strong link between diabetes and oral health.
In fact, it's well documented that people with diabetes have much higher rates of oral health issues.
Everything from tooth loss to gum disease becomes more likely as diabetes control worsens.
Does Diabetes Cause Oral Diseases? Even if you have diabetes, you're not destined to a toothless existence.
Studies show that diabetics who keep their sugar under control greatly reduce their risk of gum disease.
Interestingly, the relationship between your mouth and your diabetes is a two way street.
It's thought that your mouth isn't just a reflection of diabetes care...
but an influence of it.
For example, periodontal disease, a condition where excessive bacterial growth damages your gums, is known to elicit your body's stress response.
This stress response isn't confined to your gums...
your entire immune system springs into action.
While the coordination of your immune system is helpful in keeping infection in check, it also has the unfortunate side effect of making cells less sensitive to insulin.
Clean Mouth, Clean Bill of Health: Many researchers think that poor oral hygiene and high blood sugar are part of a vicious cycle.
As blood sugar rises, it makes your mouth more susceptible to infections.
As infections take hold, blood sugar rises.
It's no wonder that a study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that treating periodontal disease in diabetic populations greatly improved their glycemic control.
How To Stop The Cycle: If you just cannot seem to get your blood sugar under control even though you're doing "all the right things", it may be time to start taking better care of your mouth.
Treating infections in your mouth...
which oftentimes have no symptoms, may break the vicious cycle that's causing your out of control blood sugar levels.
Here's how: Say "ahhh": The most important step is to visit your dentist.
Only your dentist can give your mouth a clean bill of health, or if something is amiss, provide you with effective treatments.
Kick Butts: Smoking makes your mouth weak and ripe for infections.
You already know that smoking is a no-no for diabetes, but it also raises the risk of gum disease.
Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat: The basic tenets of oral hygiene: twice per day brushing, once per day flossing, and an occasional mouth rinse, do wonders for offsetting issues in your mouth that may manifest into hyperglycemia later.
Eat Right: As if you needed another incentive for choosing low glycemic index (low-GI) foods.
Your mom was right: sugary, high GI foods like granola bars, soda, and candy literally rot your teeth.
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