Connection between Oral Health and Diabetes?

• August 26, 2016
• Keerthi Senthil DDS, MS

Diabetes is a health concern that affects your body's ability to process sugar. If you are suffering from diabetes, it is very important that you maintain excellent oral health. Our dentist in Rancho Mirage firmly recommends that you maintain good oral health if you are suffering from diabetes. This is because patients suffering from diabetes are more prone to oral infections such as periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth loss if it is left untreated. Conversely, the presence of gum disease can make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels.

Importance of Good Oral Health?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important as poor oral health conditions may elevate body inflammation.

Link between Diabetes and Gum Disease

Our Dentist in Rancho Mirage strongly believes that a person suffering from diabetes is at higher risk of increasing the severity of his periodontal conditions. This belief is based on the evidence that proves diabetes reduces the body’s capacity to fight infection. This makes a diabetic patient more prone to oral infections.

Though there is evidence to prove that the severity of both the health conditions can be interlinked, there seems to be some similarity between both. Diabetes and oral health are associated with inflammation and immune response. The inflammation is characterized by pain, heat, and redness. This is evidence that your body's immune system is trying to fight against the bacteria causing infections. If left untreated both these conditions can play a major role deteriorating your overall health.

Some amazing health facts and figures:

Dentist Rancho Mirage aims at making sure that all their patients clearly understand the severity of maintaining poor oral health by educating them on good oral health tricks and techniques. A study conducted reveals that your risk of dying from a heart attack is over twice as great if you are suffering from severe gum problems. You are also 8.5 times of a higher risk of inflicting kidney problem and also six times more likely to control your sugar level while suffering from uncontrolled periodontal disease.

While diabetes can't be cured, it's possible to manage the disease on a long-term basis with healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Also, there are clinical studies that prove diabetics who get effective treatment for their periodontal disease also benefit immensely in their general overall health. If you are residing in Rancho Mirage or other neighboring communities, make sure to meet our Dentist Rancho Mirage to evaluate your oral health and treat severe periodontal conditions.