The American Diabetes Association recently announced that studies have identified and confirmed a direct correlation between diabetes and gum disease. Not only are diabetics more prone to gum disease, but oral health problems such as gingivitis can also affect blood glucose stability, leading to the advancement of diabetes.
Our experts at Willoughby Dental share a passion for staying at the forefront of the healthcare field as the industry evolves in knowledge, treatments and technology. New research has confirmed that excellent oral health is integral to the maintenance of excellent whole body health. Evidently, this link is vital to our patients who are diabetic.
Diabetes and unstable blood glucose levels increase your risk of developing serious gum disease and losing teeth. Furthermore, recent and potentially groundbreaking studies have found that gum disease can contribute to a rise in blood sugar and thus make diabetes harder to control.
If you suffer from a diabetic condition, you can effectively increase your chances of related complications by neglecting to care for your teeth and gums. The most important ways for our diabetic patients to maintain optimal oral health include: 1) Controlling glucose levels, 2) Visiting Willoughby Dental every six months for your professional cleaning, 3) Keeping us aware of how you are managing your diabetes, 4) Brushing your teeth at least twice daily after meals, flossing daily, and using mouthwash, 5) Quitting smoking, 6) Becoming more aware of warning signs such as receding, tender or bleeding gums, and loose teeth.
Willoughby Dental is concerned with every aspect of our patients’ health, and would like to partner with you to restore and revitalize your overall heath. If you have diabetes, speak to one of our team members about how we can best protect your oral health.