When you have diabetes, high blood pressure has an effect on your entire body, including your teeth and gums. High blood pressure can put you at a greater risk of suffering from oral problems such as cavities and gingivitis. Fortunately, there are preventative steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Tooth Decay
Your mouth is full of different types of bacteria and when these bacteria are exposed to sugary and starchy foods, they create plaque. The acids in plaque eat away at your tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities. The higher your blood sugar levels are, the more susceptible you are to these harmful acids.
Gingivitis
Diabetes reduces your body’s ability to fight bacteria. If you do not practice proper dental care, plaque will harden under your gum line and become tartar. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate your gums. If not treated, your gums will become swollen and bleed. These are symptoms of gingivitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the advanced form of gingivitis and is what happens when gingivitis goes untreated. It destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. At it’s worst stages, periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from your teeth and your teeth to loosen and possibly even fall out. Periodontitis is more severe among those who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to fight infections and slows healing.
Dental Care
Here are a few dental care tips to prevent damage to your teeth and gums:
- Manage your diabetes. The better you manage your blood sugar, the less likely you are to suffer from oral health issues.
- Brush twice a day. Brush your teeth in the morning and at night.
- Floss twice a day. Floss removes plaque between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Visit your dentist. Schedule regular cleanings with your dentist at least twice a year.
Call Lakeway Center for Cosmetic And Family Dentistry today to set up a professional teeth cleaning.