Importance of Oral Care for Diabetic People

Diabetics have a long list of complications that they must deal with on a daily basis.  Emerging research is now showing that there is one more item to add to this growing list: gum disease.  These two conditions directly affect one another and that is why our Santa Monica cosmetic dentist believes that it is important for all diabetics to understand the relationship between periodontitis and diabetes.

The first thing to understand about these two medical conditions is that researchers have not been able to conclusively link diabetes with gum disease.  That being said, gum disease is most prevalent in those with diabetes due to the fact that they are much more susceptible to bacterial infections.  The rate of diabetics with gum disease is much higher than almost any other type of patient and it can lead to some serious complications down the road.

While many patients have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, diabetics often move on to very advanced cases of periodontitis.  In tandem, these two conditions can lead to pervasive infections, sores, and cavities.

The simplest way to avoid these complications is by managing diabetes as thoroughly as possible.  This means maintaining a healthy diet, keeping on track with all medication, and regularly visiting both a general physician and our dentist in Santa Monica.

It is important for all diabetics to not only schedule frequent dental visits, but to also keep an open line of communications between themselves and their dentist.  These few tips, along with great oral hygiene habits, will give diabetics the best chance at keeping their teeth and gums healthy and beautiful.

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