What People with Diabetes Need to Know About Oral Health

You shouldn’t wait until you need to fix a tooth in Puyallup, WA to visit your dentist, especially if you have diabetes. Diabetes changes the way your body handles normal bacteria, so diabetics need to be extra careful. Watch this video on what people with diabetes should know about oral health.

If you have diabetes, you’re about three times more likely to develop gum disease than someone who is generally in good health. The strain that diabetes puts on the immune system causes it to weaken, which may result in bleeding gums and gingivitis, and in advanced stages, loss of teeth. Work with your doctor to control your blood glucose levels. This might involve medication as well as a modified diet. In addition to seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings, stick to a proper dental hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day and flossing once daily.