All of our bodily functions are linked, in one way or another. Having neck pain can cause headaches or lead to back pain, which can lead to hip pain, which can lead to, well, it can lead to most any part of your body. The point is, having certain gaps in your health can affect the health of another part of you, and it’s important that you keep your health in check to your best ability in order to keep the rest of your body functioning properly as well. In which case, if you suffer from diabetes, it is vital that you stay on top of your dental health to prevent any problems that could lead to long-term damage.
Diabetes can affect the health of your mouth
If you suffer from diabetes, it’s likely that you are aware of the other systems of the body it can negatively affect. This includes the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, etc., but there is a decent amount of people that are unaware of the problems that diabetes can cause in the mouth.
One of the initial symptoms of diabetes happens to be dry mouth. It can in turn lead to ulcers, soreness, infections, tooth decay, and other mouth irritations. These problems can be worsened by smoking. But long term, people who have diabetes are at a higher risk for periodontal (gum) disease. This disease is an infection of the bone and the gum that hold the teeth in place. It is the sixth most common disease in the world.
There are three stages of the disease, including, Gingivitis, Periodontitis (mild), and Periodontitis (severe). In the first stage, Gingivitis, the cause is typically poor oral hygiene and a lack of having plaque cleaned from the teeth regularly. It is reversible, however, which is why it is so important to stay on top of your dental health and to regularly visit your dentist in order to catch things like this as early as possible. The next stage of mild Periodontitis will usually result in damage, and it is extremely important at this stage to stop it in its tracks before the case becomes more severe.
What you should do to maintain mouth health
The first and most simple thing you can do, is stay on top of your dental health by regularly brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental check-ups. You should probably visit your family dentist in Irving about every six months, to make sure that if you do have any minor infections or issues, they can be addressed immediately before the problem can progress and cause any long-term damage. It’s extremely important to try and keep your blood sugar within a normal range as well in order to reduce your risk.
Check for these symptoms of possible mouth problems:
- Sore or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
If you are concerned about maintaining the health of your mouth, you may be looking for the experts in dental health in Irving. Here at C&F dentistry, we are a passionate, caring, and innovative group of dental experts that would be more than happy to help. So, keep smiling, and contact us today.
