Diabetes and oral health

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA

In case you are suffering from diabetes you should know that the high level of blood sugar affects the entire body including teeth and gums. No matter if you are dealing with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, maintain the level of blood sugar is crucial. The higher the level, the greater risk for developing some of these conditions:

Dental caries

Your mouth naturally contains many different types of bacteria. When sugar and starch from drinks and food comes in contact with bacteria on the teeth we can expect the formation of dental plaque. The acid found in plaque attacks the tooth enamel and leads to caries. The higher the levels of blood sugar the greater flow of sugars and starch in the mouth and risk of caries.

Gingivitis

In case you don’t act fast and don’t remove the plaque from your teeth with regular use of toothbrush and dental floss, it will turn into tartar. The longer plaque and tartar remain on the mouth the more it irritates the gingival of teeth. Over some period of time, you can expect swelling and bleeding in this area.

Periodontal disease

Gingivitis that is not treated at all leads to the appearance of serious infection that attacks and destroys the soft tissue and bones that support your teeth. This disease is known as periodontal disease or periodontitis. In case this disease is left untreated you can experience loss of teeth. Periodontal disease is especially serious in people suffering from diabetes because these individuals have reduced ability to withstand and fight infections and the wounds heal much slower. Infections like periodontitis can increase blood sugar levels and therefore it is much more difficult to control diabetes.

In order to prevent more serious damage you must take diabetes seriously and pay special attention to oral hygiene. Consult your dentist to get more information.