If you are a diabetic in America, you can be certain that you are not alone. Currently, around 13% of the adult population has received a diagnosis of the disease, either in its Type I or II forms. While these two operate using different mechanisms, the complications overlap significantly.
This disease impacts your health in a wide variety of ways, as nearly anywhere that interacts with the circulatory system can be harmed. If you have this condition, it is crucial that you take special precautions when it comes to your oral health.
Today, your Baxter, MN dentist explains some common concerns that affect those with diabetes. As well, we’ll go over some ways that you can do your best to make sure that you limit all the damage that you can!
Glucose Impacts The Whole Body
While we think about hyperglycemia as it relates to blood, this can then impact anywhere with more fragile circulatory structures. This is because our smallest blood vessels, our capillaries, are easily broken by the condition. This can lead to problems in a variety of ways, especially due to the lack of fresh oxygen that reaches your cells.
When your gycemic levels increase, your body begins to try to flush as much of this as it can. Mostly, this is done through massively increased urination, but it also can occur in the mouth. We produce saliva constantly, so it is also another avenue that we take to flush our system.
This means, however, that we are creating an environment that is ripe for bacterial growth. Essentially, we now have a mouth that is similar to one that has just drank soda. But this will continue as long as the sugar levels are elevated in the blood.
What Can I Do?
The most important thing you can do as a diabetic is to tightly control your numbers as much as you can. Life happens, but make the effort to keep yourself within normal ranges. This way, your body will act as a normal, healthy person.
And as with any other patient, keep to a strict oral health regimen at home. This includes daily flossing before brushing, which you should do twice daily. And always be sure to brush before bed, even if you have already earlier in the night. Late night snacks can be dangerous!
Visit Our Office in Baxter, MN!
Dr. Clinton L. Roberts and the friendly staff at Greenhaven Family Dental are happy to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with a comprehensive approach to general dentistry. With years of training and experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Roberts is also adept at helping patients treat snoring and sleep apnea so they can rest more easily (and quietly). To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN, today at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.