Living with diabetes means making daily choices to protect your health. You may check your blood sugar, plan healthy meals, and stay active. Your gums also play an important role in your health.
With American Diabetes Month taking place in November, now is a great time to learn why healthy gums in Oakhurst, NJ matter. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum infections, which can also make it harder to keep blood sugar levels under control.
Call Monmouth Dental Arts at 732-686-6337 for an appointment.
Why Does Diabetes Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease?
The connection: High blood sugar can weaken your body's ability to fight infections.
Your mouth contains bacteria that can build up along your gums. Without proper cleaning, these germs can cause swelling and infection.
Diabetes can make these problems worse by slowing your body's healing process. Your gums may become swollen and sore, while your body may need more time to fight off an infection.
Why it matters: The connection works both ways. Bacteria and inflammation from gum disease can make your body less sensitive to insulin. As a result, keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range may become more difficult.
How Can Untreated Gum Disease Affect Your Oral Health?
The warning: Gum problems can grow worse even when your mouth feels fine.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It can leave your gums looking red or puffy, and you may see blood when you brush or floss.
Without treatment, the infection can spread deeper beneath your gums and harm the bone that holds your teeth in place. This advanced form of gum disease is known as periodontitis.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Bleeding when cleaning your teeth
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Tenderness around your teeth
- Gums that shrink or pull back
- Teeth that begin to shift or loosen
Why it matters: Without treatment, serious gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
Can Better Gum Care Help You Manage Diabetes?
The good news: Caring for your gums may also support better blood sugar control.
Research suggests that treating gum disease can help lower blood sugar levels in some people with diabetes.
You can also support healthy gums in Oakhurst by following a few daily habits.
Brush twice a day, floss regularly, and keep your dental appointments. Keep up with the care recommended by your diabetes doctor, and let your dentist know if your health or medications change. Making these habits part of your routine can help protect your gums for years to come.
What Treatments Can Help Restore Gum Health?
Treatment choices: Dental care for gum disease focuses on reducing harmful bacteria, managing infection, and preventing further damage to the gums and bone that support your teeth.
Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend:
- Scaling and root planing: Removes plaque and tartar beneath the gums and smooths tooth roots.
- Laser therapy: Uses focused light to treat infected gum tissue.
- Antibacterial irrigation: Flushes bacteria and debris from areas beneath the gumline.
- Perio Protect: Uses custom trays to deliver prescribed medication around your gums at home.
These treatments may be used together to help manage gum disease.
Make Gum Health Part of Your Diabetes Care
American Diabetes Month is a reminder that your mouth deserves attention, too. Healthy gums can help you avoid painful infections and protect your natural teeth.
Your next step: Take action toward healthy gums in Oakhurst. Call Monmouth Dental Arts at 732-686-6337 for an appointment. You can also schedule online.
