The health issues involved with being diabetic include a higher risk for problems with your teeth, gums and mouth. The better you control your blood sugar, the fewer problems you will have. However, because there is going to be spikes and dips in it over time, you need to be aware of dental issues that you are more susceptible to having. Proper dental hygiene and routine visits to the dentist are more important for you than someone without diabetes. As you brush and floss daily, check your mouth for the signs of the following.

Inflamed Gums

Inflammation and diabetes run in a vicious circle. Uncontrolled blood sugar leads to inflammation of tissue and blood vessels, and inflammation of tissue leads to insulin resistance. Inflamed gums can be painful and bleed.

Gum Disease

Not only does diabetes cause inflamed gums, it also impairs or damages some white blood cells. These cells combat disease and infections in your body. Without adequate, strong white blood cells, bacteria trapped in your teeth and gums from decaying foods will cause infections and gum disease.

Slower Healing

Any sore or wound on a diabetic will heal slowly. If you get a small cut in your gums or mouth, it will take longer to heal. This can allow bacteria to enter into the body and cause disease. In addition, having even a tiny cut in your mouth can be uncomfortable and painful.

Dry Mouth

One of the symptoms of diabetes is a reduction of saliva, causing a dry mouth. This means that your teeth are not being cleansed of food particles as the saliva flows around in your mouth. You are more likely to have tooth decay, and a buildup of tartar and plaque.

To keep your teeth and gums healthy as a diabetic, you need to brush your teeth more frequently than the recommended two times a day. Brush at least after every meal, preferably after snacks too. You should also floss every day, but be careful not to cut the gums when doing so.

There are a couple of other ways to help keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy when you are diabetic. The first is to control your blood sugar as much as possible through diet and any necessary medication. The second is to be sure to visit your dentist twice a year. However, if you notice problems before it's time for your next appointment, visit the dentist anyway to get things under control.

For more information, contact Andersen Kevin Dr Inc. or a similar location.