Properly caring for your teeth on a daily basis and controlling your glycemic levels can position you for the best possible oral health if you are living with diabetes. Taking steps such as brushing throughout the day with a soft- bristled toothbrush and cleaning between the teeth to remove plaque are necessary for all of us, but these duties are even more vital for those with chronic health conditions.
There appears to be a strong relationship between blood sugar levels and gum disease, a finding that many dentists in Boerne are taking very seriously.
Research indicates that our ability to control our blood sugar levels is decreased when severe gum disease is present. On the other hand, uncontrolled blood sugar levels have been found to increase your risk for developing gum disease. This means that:
- Severe gum disease makes it more difficult to control your blood sugar levels, and
- Uncontrolled blood sugar levels make it more difficult to control gum disease.
Since plaque bacteria are the primary cause of gum disease, it is wise to remove as much of it as possible on a daily basis. Plaque bacteria can form and colonize in the mouth to begin causing destruction in as little as 24 hours. That’s why a daily commitment to brushing and flossing is so essential. In fact, most dentists and dental hygienists would argue that flossing to control the plaque between the teeth and along the gumline is even more important than simply brushing. Plaque bacteria that colonize between the teeth and beneath the gumline are more likely to cause gum disease than the bacteria that cover the biting surfaces of the teeth. Besides traditional dental floss, many dentists recommend pre-threaded flossers, water flossers, and even toothpicks to access the areas that cannot be reached with the toothbrush.
In the Boerne community, you can also encourage your dentist and physician to communicate with one another in order to coordinate your medical and dental care. For more information about diabetes and your oral health, call to schedule an appointment today.