Diabetes

When diabetes is not controlled properly, high sugar (glucose) levels in saliva may help bacteria thrive. In addition, diabetes causes a change in the small blood vessels called capillaries. This change affects the ability of the white blood cells to get from the capillaries to the bacteria in an infection. These two effects of diabetes on the oral cavity result in tooth decay, gum (periodontal) infection disease, salivary gland function, fungal infections, infections and delayed healing, and tooth loss.

It is essential that a preventive dental treatment plan be in effect to maintain your oral health as well as your overall health. Recent studies have shown that gum (periodontal) disease can be a factor in causing blood sugar to rise and make diabetes harder to control.

With a rise in cases of diabetes in our society, it is imperative diabetes treatment is coupled with the medical profession as well as with the services of the dental profession for proper long-term maintenance of this disease. Only by working together with your physician can we treat your diabetes more effectively.