Dangers of diabetes and dental health
Diabetes can cause a number of serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness. Diabetes can also affect your oral health, increasing your risk for gum disease and other dental problems.
Gum disease is a common complication of diabetes. Gum disease occurs when the gums become inflamed and irritated. This can lead to bleeding gums, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. Gum disease is also a leading cause of bad breath.
To help prevent gum disease, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. If you have diabetes, be sure to control your blood sugar levels and visit your dentist regularly.
If you have diabetes, you may be at increased risk for cavities. Cavities are caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and feast on sugary foods. The bacteria produce acid that attacks the tooth enamel, causing cavities.
To help prevent cavities, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. If you have diabetes, be sure to control your blood sugar levels and visit your dentist regularly.
If you have diabetes, you may be at increased risk for oral thrush. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that causes white, patchy lesions to form on the tongue and inside of the cheek. Oral thrush can also cause cracked, red, sore corners of the mouth.
To help prevent oral thrush, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. If you have diabetes, be sure to control your blood sugar levels and visit your dentist regularly.
If you have diabetes, you may be at increased risk for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can damage the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause pain, gum bleeding, and eventually tooth loss.
To help prevent periodontal disease, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. If you have diabetes, be sure to control your blood sugar levels and visit your dentist regularly.