When we think about tooth decay and loss, we are trained to instantly think about the way we eat and our daily oral health maintenance. If someone needs an extraction or a root canal, it must be due to their actions. But numerous health concerns can cause major damage to our smiles. And one of these is currently leading to one in every five tooth loss instances, and that is diabetes.
This disease is very common in the United States, and it can affect many areas of the body. Since this harms the circulatory system, anywhere where there are very small blood vessels known as capillaries can be impacted. Other areas like the eyes and the extremities are also at risk. You are much more likely to experience these things with elevated blood glucose, so today, your Irving, TX dentist explains the dangers of diabetes and what we can do to help!
A Common Concern
Diabetes affects nearly 29 million Americans, with two different forms. Type I refers to an auto-immune illness where the body stops producing the vital hormone insulin. Insulin allows the cells to absorb the carbohydrate energy from our blood. Without it, the glucose builds up within the blood. Type II is the more common variety, where the patient develops a resistance to the hormone that they create.
Hyperglycemia is the term for the buildup of sugars within the blood stream. When this happens, our bodies try to rid themselves of the excess. The main avenue for this is through our kidneys, where our urine can push out large volumes. But your mouth is another area, as well.
Our saliva literally becomes sweet, and bacteria feed upon this just as it would a soda or candy. This is difficult to deal with, because even if you brush your teeth, the concern will still remain. This will stop when you bring your blood sugars under control, highlighting the importance of strict control of your numbers.
Further Danger
There are other ways in which diabetes can harm your oral health. You are also much more likely to experience dehydration and dry mouth. This is on account of the same mechanism the body uses to expel excess glucose. When the body is creating large amounts of urine and saliva, it depletes our water reserves, and it does this quite quickly.
Dry mouth is associated with periodontal disease, as our highly anibacterial saliva is not there to protect the tissue. When the gums recede, they can put your teeth at risk of infection. This can require a root canal or even an extraction. The best way that you can protect your smile if you have diabetes is through maintaining strict control over your glucose levels.
Give Us A Call!
If you are a diabetic, it is very important to take care of your smile. To find out more about how our practice can help you protect your smile, please reach out to Defining Smiles in Irving, TX today at 972-717-0860.
