Diabetes can affect your entire body, including your dental health. There are two different versions of this chronic condition: Type 1 and Type 2. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas may produce little to no insulin. Type 2 diabetes impacts the way the body processes glucose, or blood sugar. If you're diagnosed with diabetes, your dentist may notice symptoms of the condition in your teeth. Learn more in the following guide about the link between diabetes and dental health.

How Does Diabetes Affect Dental Health?

Many symptoms of diabetes are evident in a person's oral health. A dentist may notice that you suffer from dry mouth—a condition that reduces the amount of saliva you produce. Saliva acts as a self-cleaning agent, helping to rinse the mouth of certain bacteria and food particles. When there's less saliva in your mouth to coat and protect the teeth, you are more prone to developing cavities. 

Since people with diabetes have poor blood sugar control, it makes their mouths more susceptible to infections. This can lead to inflamed and painful gums, which are also early signs of gingivitis.

How Can You Improve Dental Health If You Have Diabetes?

A dentist can help you find solutions to improve your oral health, despite the effects of diabetes. They can perform general cleaning and give you prescription toothpaste to ensure your mouth is getting extra care to prevent gum disease and bacteria growth.  

A dentist will also recommend that you follow standard oral health care protocol. Brush your teeth twice a day for about two minutes each time, and floss once daily. If you have dentures, clean them every day. Managing your diabetes through doctor-prescribed medication and lifestyle advice can also help reduce the effects of this condition, including its impact on your teeth.

Ensure your dental health is in a good state by visiting Springville Family Dental Center. This dental office offers general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to residents of Alabama's St. Clair County. They are dedicated to helping you find solutions to dental problems caused by diabetes. They also have payment options and offer personalized treatment plans to ensure anyone and everyone can utilize their services. Call (205) 467-6147 to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their available treatments online.