Diabetes and Gum Disease: Managing Oral Health for Better Blood Sugar Control
Diabetes is a severe health problem that can impact the entire body, including a person’s mouth. Good oral health care is one of the most important ways to control the condition. Poor control of your blood sugar levels can lead to periodontal disease.
The inflammation from the gum disease can then increase your blood sugar levels, becoming a vicious cycle. If you have diabetes and you have gum disease, receiving treatment at Twin Rivers Periodontics is a way to improve your blood sugar control.
How Diabetes Impacts Oral Health
When a patient does not manage their diabetes well, it weakens the white blood cells in the immune system. This makes it much harder for the body to fight off infections, including bacterial infections that can develop in the mouth. It comes down to managing blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are well-managed, the immune system stays stronger, and you stay healthier overall.
A study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that while 83 percent of non-diabetics are likely to develop gum disease, people with diabetes are even more likely (about 92.6% prevalence). That’s the weakened immune system coming into play.
Nine out of ten people with diabetes end up developing some form of periodontal disease.
Fortunately, Dr. Molina is trained in diagnosing and treating all forms of gum disease. You will be in good hands at our clinic.
Caring for Your Oral Health When You Have Diabetes
People with diabetes and gum disease are more likely to develop gingivitis, periodontitis, dry mouth, thrush, and other oral health care problems. Since you are more prone to these types of issues, it’s vital that you take good care of your teeth and gums and regularly inspect them. If you notice any problems or changes, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.
You should work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels as normal as possible. When you visit your dentist, keep them updated on the status of your condition. Let them know your glycosylated hemoglobin (HgA1C) level.
Let your dentist know if you’ve had an insulin reaction, how recently it was, and when your last insulin shot was. Your doctor, dentist, and periodontist need to be kept in the loop about your condition to provide you with the best level of care.
Let your dentist and periodontist know the names and dosages of your prescription medications. If you need any prescriptions as part of your oral health care plan, we can prescribe medicines that are least likely to interfere with your diabetes medications. If your periodontist treats a significant type of infection, your insulin dosage might need to be changed.
If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, you must talk to your doctor before receiving any treatment. Ask your doctor to call us and speak with Dr. Molina about your overall health condition first.
Sometimes, oral surgery under anesthetic is required to treat periodontal disease. If necessary, we will let you know if you need to start taking antibiotics before the procedure. Our office will also let you know if you need to change when you eat or the timing and dosage of your insulin.
See your dentist twice a year for teeth cleanings and a checkup. Your dentist knows how to monitor you for gum disease and can recommend a visit with a periodontist as soon as possible if any problems are spotted. Your dentist will also let you know if you need to come in for visits more often than twice a year, based on your condition.
Managing diabetes is a team effort that involves you, your doctor, your dentist, and your periodontist. When we are all in sync and working together, you will have the best opportunity for success in controlling your condition.
Contact Twin Rivers Periodontics for Your Oral Health Care Needs
Whether you have diabetes or not, the team at Twin Rivers Periodontics can help provide you with oral surgery, LANAP and LAPIP laser treatments, dental implants, and more. Contact us in Jacksonville, FL, to schedule an appointment.