American Diabetes Month is celebrated every November to raise awareness for diabetes. While many people think of diabetes as a nutritional disease, it is important to consider its connection to oral health. Recent research suggests that there is a two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontal (gum) disease: diabetic patients are more likely to develop gum disease, and gum disease may contribute to the development of diabetes by affecting the ability to control blood glucose levels. This is because diabetic patients are more vulnerable to bacterial infections and the bad bacteria that cause gum disease can also impair the ability to process insulin.
If you or someone you know has diabetes, here are some tips to maintain good oral health:
(*) Control your blood glucose.
(*) Brush and floss every day.
(*) Visit your dentist regularly.
Contact us to learn more about the connection between diabetes and oral health.