November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and according to the American Diabetes Association, “nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes.” People with diabetes are at an increased risk for serious gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums. 

Diabetes affects your blood glucose levels, which can damage blood vessels that help your gums stay healthy. Uncontrolled diabetes weakens white blood cells, which are the body’s main defense against bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth.

Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes affects every part of your body, not just your teeth.  If left untreated, it can wreak havoc in your mouth, as follows:

• Gums may become inflamed and bleed when you brush your teeth (gingivitis).
• Your mouth might feel dry because diabetes may cause you to produce less saliva.
• Saliva protects your teeth and when you are producing less saliva it puts you at a higher risk for cavities.
• When your blood sugar levels are high, the amount of sugar in your saliva is also high, which creates an ideal environment for plaque to grow.
• You may have more infections inside of your mouth due to the bacteria present and slower healing due to diabetes. 

Periodontal disease affects nearly 22 percent of those 30 million people diagnosed with diabetes. As with any infection, serious gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise. This makes diabetes harder to control because you are more susceptible to infections and are less able to fight the bacteria invading the gums. This is a vicious cycle that Dr. Chris Bockrath of Mountain Aire Dentistry and his staff are prepared to treat.  

Mountain Aire Dentistry is a general and family dental practice, that focuses on prevention, tooth preservation, and awareness of what it takes to have a healthy mouth and teeth. They also strive to deliver the best diagnosis and treatment that dentistry has to offer! 

Should You Tell Your Dentist That you Have Diabetes?

Be sure to inform your dentist if you have diabetes because you are at greater risk for oral health problems. It’s also important for you to to tell your dentist how well your diabetes is controlled at each visit. Your dentist may recommend more preventive procedures, and more frequent evaluations to keep your oral health in check if your diabetes is not under control.

Dental Health Action Plan for Diabetics

Partner up with your dentist. You might even want to ask your doctor and your dentist to communicate with each other so they can be up-to-date about your condition. Professional care and continuous self-care will keep your smile healthy and may potentially slow the progression of diabetes.  The following are some oral health-related steps you can take to help control the negative effects diabetes has on your oral condition:

• Control your blood sugar levels. This will help your body fight any bacterial or fungal infections in your mouth and relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.
• Avoid smoking. You may even consider talking to your doctor about a stop smoking program–especially if you want to keep your pearly whites intact.
• Make sure to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day.
• Floss your teeth daily.
• Practice good oral hygiene by rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking something between meals.
• Have regular check-ups with your dentist every six months, or more often if recommended for deep cleanings.

Communication is an important element of a successful dental plan. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions that worry you and continuously work together so that you can have the healthiest mouth possible.

Make an Appointment Today

If you are concerned about the effects of diabetes and oral health, make an appointment today. Dr. Bockrath, of Mountain Aire Dentistry, will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth in order to provide accurate treatment.

Dr. Bockrath offers early morning appointments and has some extended hours on Saturdays to accommodate your busy lifestyle. To schedule an appointment, please call Mountain Aire Dentistry in Broomfield at (303) 731-7755. The office is located at 291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr, in Broomfield, with easy access from Erie and Centennial. 

November, is a good time to be more aware of the correlation between diabetes and oral health problems. It’s also a good time to get started on the road to a healthier mouth! Although good oral care is a daily effort for everyone, those with this condition have an exceptional responsibility to care for their teeth and gums.