Watch Your Mouth … It Might Get You In Trouble

We hear a lot about proper nutrition, weight loss and exercise in taking care of ourselves if we have diabetes. But did you know your mouth can get you in trouble just as easy, if you don’t also take care of your oral hygiene?

It seems that gum disease and diabetes do not play well together. A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics are.

If your sugars are high they permit germs to grow in your mouth, and this can lead to gum disease. If your gums get inflamed that can lead to insulin resistance, which in turn makes your blood sugar levels go high. The bottom line is that this trend needs to be stopped if you want to stay healthy.

So what we need to keep an eye on is any bleeding when you brush or floss, your teeth may seem longer or the roots may be exposed if you have receding gums. Another sign of infection is pus between the teeth and gums, or you may have loose teeth or cavities. If you already have gum disease, treatment with antibiotics can help reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar levels.

A little care goes a long way to help prevent or reduce the risks of gum disease. If you have any symptoms get to a dentist, and have regular exams every six months or so.

Brush and floss every day to remove bacteria and plaque from the hard to reach places between teeth and below the gumline. You might also consider a vitamin C supplement with antioxidants to help the immune system fight off infections and promote health.

As always work with your physician to keep your blood sugar under control.