Diabetes is a condition that is very common among Americans. In fact, 1.9 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with diabetes in 2012 alone1.
Managing your diabetes will not only help overall well-being, but it will help keep your oral health in tip-top shape. To help you gain an understanding about how good oral health could influence your diabetes and vice-versa, we have compiled a frequently asked questions (FAQ) list about oral health and diabetes.
1. Does diabetes change the health of my gums?
Most studies found that more people with diabetes had gum disease. Also, their gum disease was worse than in people without diabetes. Therefore, diabetes seems to change the health of the gums. This makes it extra important to floss every day.
2. Does having healthy gums change diabetes?
Most studies found that the amount of long-term blood sugar was lower after gum treatment. This means that treating gum disease seems to help diabetes become better controlled.
3. Can gum disease make people get diabetes?
A large study showed that people with gum disease have a much greater chance—up to 2 times greater— of getting type 2 diabetes than people with healthy gums.
The importance of tending to your oral health, while treating your diabetes is very clear. Plus, you will gain all the other benefits from keeping your mouth very clean, like good breath.
1“Diabetes Basics.” Diabetes Statistics. Web. 24 May 2012.