It is National Diabetes Month and Dr. Thomas A. Bissell wants to educate you about the impact that having diabetes in Chester, NJ can have on your oral health. People who are unaware that they have diabetes and those who have poorly managed blood glucose levels are very susceptible to developing periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, this condition can cause irreversible damage to your beautiful smile, change your appearance and increase your risk for other chronic health conditions.

How Diabetes Affects Dental Health

Although anyone can develop periodontal disease, as a diabetic, you have a much higher risk because of the excess sugar in your blood. This sugar flows all throughout your body, drastically altering its internal environment. Exposure to excess blood sugar causes the arteries and blood vessels to thicken, thus compromising the flow of nutrients and oxygen throughout your body. When there is restricted nutrient and oxygen delivery to your oral cavity, your bones and gum tissues become less resistant to certain bacteria and ailments like gum disease.

Diabetics who have poor dental hygiene may develop gingivitis initially. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is reversible if dental hygiene is improved and proper treatment from a periodontist is administered. Also, diabetics who struggle with their blood sugar are more likely to have higher amounts of bacteria in their mouths. These bacteria thrive on sugars and the warm, moist condition inside the mouth, increasing the amount of damage they can cause to the teeth and gums.

The Importance of Treatment

It is crucial for diabetics to maintain good dental hygiene and blood glucose management to lower their chances of developing gum disease. Better blood glucose regulation and dental care are also required for anyone who wants to slow down the disease to improve their oral health.

If you want to learn how your condition has affected your oral health contact our dental office for an appointment.