The mouth is a window to your overall health. Diabetes is one illness that has an especially profound impact on smiles, since the condition can cause problems within delicate blood vessels and gum tissue. Here is a little more information about how diabetes impacts your oral health, and how to create a plan with your dentist to avoid problems. 

How Does Diabetes Impact Your Oral Health? 

Since diabetes raises blood sugar levels in the body, saliva becomes higher in sugar, too, which fuels oral decay. Additionally, diabetes causes the blood vessels in gum tissues and teeth to thicken, which can interfere with the vessels’ ability to carry important nutrients to your smile. Research has shown that these biological changes tied to diabetes are linked to higher instances of periodontal disease. In fact, people with poorly controlled diabetes are 2.9 times more likely to develop periodontal disease than people who have healthy blood sugar levels on a regular basis. 

How Can You Prevent Problems? 

In addition to enjoying a healthy diet and exercising regularly to keep your levels in check, working with a dentist to have your teeth cleaned is crucial for eliminating oral bacteria that cause decay and oral infections. In fact, studies have shown that treating oral health issues like gum disease can help diabetic patients to maintain good blood sugar levels, preventing other health problems tied to the illness. Dentists can also help diabetic patients to restore smiles damaged from previous periodontal disease through procedures like crown placement, bone grafting, and dental implant placement. 

If you are a diabetic who is concerned about their oral health, turn to Clements Family Dentistry in Hamilton, OH. In addition to helping patients with preventative, diagnostic, and restorative services, this experienced dentist can also assist with cosmetic repairs, giving you the kind of smile you deserve. To learn more about how they can help, visit them online or call (513) 887-7027.