When people think about the dreaded diabetes, their teeth are normally the last thing to come to mind. However, here are some recent updates from your Los Angeles dentist which may make you change your mind.
According to recent studies there may be a larger connection between these two diseases than most believe. In fact, the connection between oral health and diabetes may be a two-way street. Diabetes has a major impact on all parts of the body, including the oral cavity. Having diabetes increases the risk for infection in the body, which can lead to gum disease. Likewise, having periodontal disease increases the amount of inflammation your body is coping with. This will actually be a detriment to those with diabetes because it makes it harder to keep blood sugar under control.
Studies show that people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, particularly if their diabetes is not well controlled. A 2010 review in Evidence Based Dentistry found that people with diabetes who were treated for gum disease could more easily control their diabetes. Make sure to remember this the next time you visit your Los Angeles dentist.
It is important that people with diabetes brush very well to make sure their teeth are clean. Anything a person with diabetes can do to reduce inflammation in the body will make the disease easier to handle. This is particularly important, as more cases of diabetes are being reported than ever before. According to the International Diabetes Federation, during the last 20 years the total number of people with diabetes worldwide has risen from 30 million to 230 million. What is even more unfortunate is that the number of people with diabetes is expected to reach 350 million by 2025. We hope you stay tuned for more articles from your Los Angeles dentist.
