Did you know that people with diabetes are at an increased risk of gum disease due to elevated blood sugar levels? As an autoimmune condition, diabetes can make it harder for your body to fight off common dental problems, like gingivitis, periodontitis, and even decay, leading to higher rates of tooth loss. This year, before your dental insurance plan restarts, make the most out of your benefits by learning how your dentist can help you manage your oral health and underlying medical condition.
What’s the Connection Between Oral Health & Diabetes?
Patients with diabetes experience a number of oral symptoms that can increase their risk of common dental concerns and lead to an increase in bad oral bacteria. Some of these symptoms include:
- Dry mouth
- Gum irritation and dental sensitivity
- Increased number of oral sores
- Children can get their adult teeth sooner
- Increased amounts of glucose in saliva
Harmful oral bacteria’s top food of choice is sugars, including carbohydrates, and because people with diabetes have elevated amounts of glucose in their saliva, it can dramatically increase their risk of gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. However, with a good at-home and professional oral hygiene routine, as well as by managing your medical condition, you can help tip the scale in your favor.
How Can Visiting the Dentist Regularly Aid in Your Health?
People with autoimmune conditions such as diabetes can greatly benefit in having a close relationship with their primary care physician and dentists, because both their physician and oral health are connected. By managing your diabetes through your primary care doctor, you can improve your oral health and vice versa. As a result, it’s a good idea to let your dentist know about any developments in your health at your checkups.
Your dentist will examine your mouth for the early signs of common dental concerns among diabetics, like gum disease, so they can address them as soon as possible. By keeping these problems under control and treating them while they’re small, they can prevent more costly issues from arising, like tooth loss.
As a Diabetic, How Can You Maximize Your Dental Insurance?
Your dental insurance can be a great tool in making your oral healthcare more affordable if you have diabetes. However, in order to get the most out of it, you must know how to use it effectively. Your dental insurance plan renews every year, and any unused benefits will be lost once January 1st rolls around. Because of this, it’s a good idea to make sure that you schedule your two included checkups and cleanings for the year, necessary gum disease treatments, and any other dental concerns. When you reach your maximum allowed amount for the year, you’ll know that you made the most out of your investment in insurance!
By making the most out of your dental insurance, you can help manage your diabetes, keep your oral health on the right track, and minimize your risk of other related medical conditions, such as heart disease. If you have access to dental insurance, get the most from your investment by utilizing it before your plan renews!
About the Practice
At Beck Dental Care of Columbia, our three highly skilled and compassionate dentists are dedicated to helping their patients navigate more than just their oral health. They take the time to inform their patients of their findings in detail, allowing their patients to learn more about the connection between their oral and overall health as well as feel comfortable asking questions. To schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 931-388-8452.