We’ve all heard about how our oral health can affect our overall health. But, how many of us actually understand what that means? How does not going to the dentist regularly lead to other health issues? One example is how gum disease, also known as periodontitis, has been linked to several other conditions including Alzheimer’s, respiratory infections, heart disease, and diabetes.
Diabetes can cause a person to suffer from periodontitis, and periodontitis can make an individual more likely to develop diabetes. The two are intertwined so that when a person is suffering from either disease, they are much more likely to also develop the other.
In this blog post, we are going to discuss exactly how diabetes and periodontitis affect each other and how you can reduce the risk of developing one disease if you already suffer from the other. Continue reading to learn more and if you suspect that you have gum disease or need any other dental service, contact your Jersey Shore dentists today. You can find us at Century Dental in Jackson, Seaview Dental in Eatontown, or Seaview Dental Stafford in Manahawkin. Give us a call today to make an appointment.
The Effect Periodontitis Has On Diabetics
Research shows that people, both with and without diabetes, who suffer from gum disease have higher blood glucose levels. This makes this particular group of individuals more likely to develop diabetes if they do not have it already. It also makes it extremely difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar.
The Effects Diabetes Has On Individuals With Periodontitis
Individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontitis. In fact, periodontitis is sometimes even considered a complication of diabetes because the two are so interconnected. The high blood sugar levels associated with poorly managed diabetes can cause damage to the nerves, blood vessels, gums, and many other areas of your body. Damage to the blood vessels results in a reduced amount of oxygen being carried to the gums. Without an ample supply of oxygen, infections become more likely.
In addition, high blood sugar levels also cause the glucose levels to rise in our saliva, which means our teeth and gums are constantly being exposed to high levels of sugar, and this can lead to decay and disease.
How You Can Prevent Peridontitis
There are ways to keep from developing periodontitis if you already have diabetes. Keeping careful track of your blood sugar can make periodontitis less likely since that is what makes your gums more prone to infection and raises the glucose levels in your saliva. Keeping your teeth clean with a healthy oral routine will also help prevent periodontitis.
How You Can Prevent Diabetes
If you have periodontitis and are concerned about that leading to diabetes, you should make an appointment at any of our offices for a deep cleaning, and work on developing a healthy oral routine. Brushing and flossing daily and after every meal will reduce the effect that periodontitis has on your blood sugar levels. In addition, eating foods that contain less sugar will also support your teeth and blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Your oral health is very closely tied to your overall health and vice versa. If you suffer from periodontitis, you are more likely to develop diabetes, and if you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop periodontitis. Developing a healthy oral routine and seeing any of our dentists regularly for teeth cleanings won’t just prevent problems with your teeth and gums, but can also help you live an overall healthier life.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Jersey Shore Dentists
If you think that you may be at risk for periodontitis, our experienced dentists can help. We are experts in restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and general dentistry. Schedule an appointment today at one of our three dental offices: Century Dental in Jackson, Seaview Dental in Eatontown, or Seaview Dental Stafford in Manahawkin. If you live near the Jersey Shore, we have a convenient location for you. Make an appointment today.
