People who have been diagnosed with diabetes keep a close watch on several aspects of their day-to-day lives, such as diet, glucose levels, and physical activity in order to maintain their health. Unfortunately, people who have diabetes are at much greater risk for periodontal disease. That is why people with diabetes need to make sure they have a good daily dental care routine and see their dental professional two times a year. 

How Diabetes Affects Your Mouth

People with diabetes, particularly type 2, have a greater chance of ending up with periodontal disease and tooth decay. Periodontal disease is the name for gum disease that is in a very advanced stage. 

People can experience the loss of bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place, causing them to be loose and to move freely in their sockets. 

Dental Tips for People with Diabetes

There are many different ways to maintain a healthy mouth if you have diabetes. Listed below are a few tips:

• Be aware of your sugar consumption, as drinks and food that are high in sugar will lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss every day.
• Visit your dental professional two times a year for regular check-ups and make sure you share your complete medical history in order for your dentist to decide the best care routine for you.
• Tell your dentist if your dentures no longer fit properly. This could be an indicator of periodontal disease brought on by diabetes.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

There is also proof that gum disease could increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and that type 2 diabetes can hasten the onset of gum disease. Two of the more popular prescriptions used to treat diabetes are able to create problems with your oral cavity, such as burning mouth, xerostomia, and candidiasis. Maintaining good overall oral health will help deter additional serious health issues from forming over time.

At McBride Dental, we want to help you and your family do everything possible to have and preserve healthy teeth and gums. By scheduling regular appointments with your California family dentist and practicing the oral care techniques we teach you, your whole family will easily maintain teeth that are healthy, strong, and effective.

The San Marcos offices of Dr. Michael McBride are staffed with reputable, professional San area Diego dentists that are ready to address any concerns you may have regarding common dental procedures, as well as preventative, cosmetic, or restorative dentistry. 

It is our job to help you and your family establish healthy dental habits to make sure that your teeth will always be there when you need them and your smile will always look great.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a San Marcos dentist, please give us a call at (760) 471-1003 and speak with a trained member of our dental staff today.