November is American Diabetes Month®. Diabetes can affect nearly every aspect of your health, including your oral health. Whether you suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you are at a higher risk for periodontal disease and tooth loss. That’s why it’s essential to receive preventive dentistry from a qualified dentist in Lombard.
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud understands the connection between oral and physical health. She offers thorough preventive care, as well as restorative and periodontal treatment, when needed. With Dr. Glud and her team on your side, you can enjoy a healthy smile despite your health struggles.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an outstanding dentist in Lombard.
National Diabetes Month
The American Diabetes Association® has designated November as American Diabetes Month®. This time is to support the 37 million Americans who struggle with this disease. This year, the focus is on the prevention of diabetes-related health problems. These include heart, eye, nerve, and kidney damage, as well as some cancers.
The Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health
One area that gets less attention is the connection between diabetes and dental health. But patients with diabetes are more likely to experience an inflammatory response to oral bacteria, especially if they have not reached their blood sugar targets.
Oral Health Problems Associated with Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, you are more likely to experience the following dental problems:
- Periodontal disease: With periodontal disease, pockets of bacteria will build up in the gums, eventually causing the soft tissues to recede. In the first stages, the inflammation is known as gingivitis, and it is reversible. But in the more advanced stages, gum damage is permanent.
- Tooth decay: Elevated glucose can also show up in saliva, increasing the risk of cavities and even tooth loss.
- Dry mouth: Many diabetes medications can have dry mouth as a side effect, and it can also be a side effect of the disease itself. Whatever the cause, a lack of saliva is not only uncomfortable. It further increases the risk of cavities.
- Thrush: If you have diabetes, you may take more antibiotics than other people. And, in turn, this can lead to thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Teeth
Fortunately, a diabetes diagnosis is not an automatic sentence to a lifetime of dental problems. With the right care, you can still enjoy a strong and beautiful smile. To better protect your dental health, take the following steps.
- Reach your blood sugar targets.
- Take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Find a dentist in Lombard who understands diabetes and can offer appropriately tailored care. Once you find the right practitioner, be sure to schedule your routine exams and cleanings.
Contact a Dentist in Lombard Today
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Glud, contact our office online or give us a call at (630) 629-5700.
