As a chronic illness, diabetes requires lifelong care to maintain optimum health and wellness. Along with other areas of the body, the disease can also impact your oral health negatively. In addition to scheduling check-ups with a dentist twice per year, you should also understand how diabetes can affect your oral health. This information will help you care for your teeth and gums to avoid major issues. 

Why Do People With Diabetes Have a Higher Risk of Oral Health Problems?

Diabetes impacts how the body processes sugar. As a result, those afflicted must take steps to control blood sugar levels to prevent ill-effects. Without proper management, diabetes can damage a person's heart, kidneys, eyes, and numerous other body parts. It can also negatively impact your dental health. 

Along with the above issues, consistently elevated blood sugar levels also reduce your body's ability to heal from infections. This is crucial when it comes to your oral hygiene, as healing ability is key to keeping your gums healthy and free of infections. When gums become infected and can't heal properly, you have a higher chance of experiencing serious gum disease. High blood sugar levels can also impact saliva production, which then increases your risk of cavities (as saliva prevents bacteria from clinging to tooth enamel). 

What Can You Do to Maintain Good Oral Health?

Make sure your dentist knows you have diabetes, as it can help them develop a treatment approach best suited to your needs. Additionally, properly managing your diabetes via insulin and diet can reduce the oral health effects, while also supporting your general health. 

In addition to regular dental exams, you must also take care of your teeth and gums at home. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day, and make sure you're flossing at least once per day. If you experience dry mouth, increase your water intake and look into re-hydrating mouth wash, which moistens the mouth to help control oral bacteria. 

When you have questions about diabetes and oral health, the dentists at North Chautauqua Dental PC are happy to provide answers. In addition to preventative care services, this team can assist patients with specialized oral health needs. They also offer smile improvements like implant restoration and bonded fillings. Visit the website to learn more about their dental services, or call (716) 366-6822 to schedule an appointment at this Dunkirk, NY dental clinic.