Diabetes is a very common disease in Washington state and across the US – but do you know just how common? According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 30 million Americans – or more than 9% of the total population – are currently living with diabetes. Although many people do not realize it, diabetes can have a negative impact on a person’s teeth, gums and mouth. November is National Diabetes Month, so there is no better time than now hear from a dentist in Portland about the link between diabetes and oral health.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a common disease that affects the body’s ability to process sugar, which the body needs for energy. There are two types of diabetes:
- Type I – The body does not produce enough insulin, an important hormone that carries sugar from the blood to different cells in the body.
- Type II – The body stops responding to insulin.
Both Type I and Type II diabetes result in high blood sugar levels, which in turn causes a whole host of health problems, including serious oral health problems.
What Oral Health Problems Are Linked to Diabetes?
High blood sugar caused by uncontrolled diabetes ultimately weakens white blood cells, which are the body’s first line of defense against bacterial infections. This is a critical link between diabetes and oral health.
If diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to all of the following oral health problems:
- Dry mouth – A decrease in saliva can lead to soreness, ulcers, infections and tooth decay.
- Gum disease – Weakened white blood cells due to uncontrolled diabetes can lead to more frequent and more severe cases of gum disease.
- Delayed wound healing – Poor blood flow due to diabetes can lead to slower recovery after dental procedures or oral surgery.
- Fungal infection – People with uncontrolled diabetes produce saliva with higher glucose levels, which allows oral fungus to thrive.
- Burning sensation inside the mouth – This condition is caused by oral fungal infections.
Why Visiting a Dentist in Portland is So Important
While diabetes is primarily a medical condition that should be treated in consultation with a doctor, visiting a local dentist twice a year for a dental checkup in Portland is also very important.
In addition to cleaning your teeth and checking for cavities, your dentist will examine your mouth for the subtle signs of gum disease during every dental checkup. Recent research suggests that treating gum disease can help patients with diabetes to improve their blood sugar control.
Even if you practice excellent oral hygiene at home, biannual dental checkups are critical to catch and treat emerging dental issues – including all those listed in the section above – before they lead to permanent damage.
There is no reason to wait – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say! Talk to a dentist in Portland today to set up your next dental exam and professional cleaning.
About the Author
Dr. Megan McInnis proudly serves the downtown Portland community by providing quality dental care with a smile. At RiverPlace Dental, she encourages patients to take advantage of her preventive care services, such as periodontal therapy, sealants, fluoride treatment and more, to avoid letting small oral health issues develop into larger problems. Patients old and new can contact Dr. McInnis by visiting the RiverPlace Dental website or by calling 503-761-1414.