Experts say there may also be indicators of diabetes in your mouth.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — If you are diabetic (diabetes), you will know how important it is to maintain blood sugar levels. Common signs of high blood sugar include increased thirst and the need to go to the bathroom more. But experts say there may also be indicators in your mouth.
Researchers say people with gum disease severe ones (periodontitis) have a harder time keeping their blood sugar levels under control. “For those whose blood sugar is not well controlled, they may experience problems with gum disease,” says the American Dental Association (ADA). New York Post, Sunday (5/12).
An earlier study published by experts at the ADA suggested people with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing gum disease than people without diabetes. Gum disease is a serious infection that in most cases is treatable. If left unchecked, it can cause permanent tooth loss irreversible because it can damage the bone that supports the teeth.
Since gum disease is an infection, it is possible diabetics will find it more difficult to cope with it than others. “If not properly controlled, diabetes can also slow down the wound healing process,” says the ADA.
This means if you have diabetes, it may take longer to heal after dental treatments such as tooth extraction or other oral surgeries. A previous ADA study found that in general, Americans with diabetes are more prone to tooth loss than those who don’t suffer from the condition.
About 28 percent of the diabetics tested in the study had lost all their teeth. The National Health Service (NHS) states that extra glucose in your blood can increase your chances of gum disease and infection. Official guidelines state that you should see your dentist immediately if you notice a problem in your mouth.
Experts say to improve gum health you should quit smoking. This is because smoking weakens your immune system. make it harder for you to fight off gum infections.
One of the main ways to help control diabetes and prevent gum disease is to keep your blood sugar levels in check. If you are diabetic, you will likely be given a device so you can do it at home.
You will be told what your average blood sugar level is and this is referred to as your HbA1c level. While it’s different for everyone, the NHS says if you’re monitoring your levels at home, the normal target is 4 to 7mmol/l before eating and under 8.5 to 9mmol/l 2 hours after eating. If tested every few months then the normal HbA1c target is below 48mmol/mol (or 6.5 percent on the older measurement scale).
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