The Type 2 Diabetic told the Type 1 Diabetic: “You’re so juvenile!”
“Bartender, I’d like a margarita, two Long Islands, two beers and a double shot of Insulin.”
Diabetes provides great joke material. But the stark reality of a diabetic’s life is definitely no laughing matter, as it is filled with words like blindness, gangrene, diabetic neuropathy, diet control and sugar-free diet. In fact, there is no sugar coating it – diabetes is not fun. But the silver lining is that it can be controlled.
Oral Health and Diabetes
Reports and research show a direct connection between high blood glucose levels and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects the gum and the bone that hold your teeth in place. An infection of the gums and bone may lead to several oral issues. High blood glucose levels give those bacteria a super high, and the havoc they create in your mouth from that hit is one ugly picture. Diabetes messes up our immune system, reducing our resistance to fight back infection, increasing the damage caused to our gums and tissues.
If you do not control your diabetes, you increase your chances of getting a serious periodontal disease. Repeated occurrences and you could lose all your teeth! A diabetic who smokes puts his or herself at greater risk of gum diseases than a non-diabetic.
Some warning signs of periodontal disease that you should look out for if you have diabetes:
- Swollen tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
If you have diabetes or some of the above symptoms, get moving – go visit your dentist now! The treatment of periodontal disease depends on how far it has progressed.
With the right steps, you may be able to prevent yourself from a world of dental worries. Be watchful; keep your glucose level in check. Regularly visit your dentist for checkups and cleanups. Make sure your dentist knows you are diabetic. Eat a healthy and well balanced diet. If you smoke, it’s time to kick butt NOW!
Finally, remember the golden rule – brush and floss regularly. Granted, you can’t beat diabetes completely, but what you can do is never back down! Get in control of your diabetes today!