Chino CA Dentist Describes the Relationship Between Diabetes and Your Oral Health
Scientists and dentists are completing continuous research on the effects of health issues and the ways they harm oral health. One of the health issues included is diabetes and how it may have a harmful effect on dental health. More tests are being done each year as to which diabetes causes certain kinds of risks and harm. But what they know now is knowledge enough to be concerned with your oral health if you battle diabetes in your daily life. Learn more alongside our Chino CA dentist by reading below.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is defined as a set of diseases that increase the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the bloodstream. There are several types of diabetes, including type 2 diabetes, which is the most common among Americans because of the obesity epidemic. Type 2 increases the sugar in the blood, which results in very high blood pressure and heart complications. Type 1 diabetes causes the pancreas to not produce enough insulin to combat the high glucose and sugar content in the blood.
Prediabetes is diagnosed when the blood sugar is too high, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is prevalent in pregnant women. The pregnancy changes their bodies to where their insulin is lowered. This type of diabetes usually goes away after birth.
How Does It Affect My Oral Health?
The biggest risk for people with diabetes is periodontal disease. Diabetes affects several parts of the body if glucose control is not maintained. The high amount of glucose and blood sugar rots the gums and teeth, resulting in a weak structure that will eventually lead to tooth loss. Once periodontal disease takes hold, there is no going back, as we can only fix what the disease is breaking. If the glucose remains at dangerous levels, with poor control, the situation will worsen.
It is important to note that diabetes is a serious disease and should be taken with caution just the same. It affects almost every part of the body if the person is in poor control of their blood sugar and insulin levels. Talk to our Chino CA dentist about what more you can do to prevent further damage to your oral health.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment at Bright Smile Dental Care, please call our office today at (909) 364-1330 and our team will happily assist you.