Why Having Diabetes May Mean More Frequent Teeth Cleanings

As folks across the country celebrate National Diabetes Month this November, they often focus on helping people with this diagnosis live healthier lives. Tips abound, and they might center on eating a more balanced diet or regularly checking your feet. 

There’s one area that often gets overlooked: the link between diabetes and oral health. Persistent high blood sugar levels have a direct impact on your mouth. They can lead to issues like gum disease and tooth loss. That’s why Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and our team want to highlight the connection during National Diabetes Month. 

As an expert in periodontal (gum) disease, Dr. Master-Patel comes alongside people with diabetes to help protect their oral health. With regular teeth cleanings at Riverside Dental in Yonkers or Thornwood, New York, we help you defend against the gum issues that can come up when you live with diabetes. 

The two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease

Diabetes interferes with saliva production. In addition to keeping your mouth moist, saliva plays a big role in controlling bacteria levels.

When harmful bacteria can flourish, they contribute to cavities, but they also take a toll on your gums. In fact, more than 20% of people with diabetes deal with periodontal disease. 

Gum disease makes your gums more tender. They might look red or puffy or bleed more easily. On top of that, uncontrolled periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. 

When you have diabetes, the inflammatory response in your gums as the disease progresses often escalates. That makes you more likely to lose tooth-supporting tissue. 

Tooth loss isn’t the only potential problem here. Gum disease can make your diabetes harder to control. The resulting infections can heighten your blood sugar levels. At the same time, the inflammation can increase insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to manage that glucose. 

How frequent cleanings help

We’re not saying all of this to worry you. There’s good news here too. You have the power to protect your gums and teeth.

And you don’t have to figure that out alone. Dr. Master-Patel has extensive expertise in helping people defend against gum disease. 

With targeted dental cleanings, she can support your gum health. If you have any tartar — hardened, gum-irritating plaque that you can’t get off at home — she removes it. If you do have gum disease and it’s progressed, she offers additional care like scaling and root planing to help your gums heal. 

Regular cleanings help people with diabetes protect their oral health and defend against tooth loss. You should see your dentist at least twice a year (the American Dental Association’s recommendation for all adults). But if you’re having gum issues or your diabetes is uncontrolled, Dr. Master-Patel might recommend more frequent cleanings. Some people with diabetes benefit from cleanings every few months. 

With consistent teeth cleaning, you get professional care to support your oral health. That goes a long way toward avoiding oral health complications that can come with diabetes. To schedule your cleaning, call the Riverside Dental office nearest you or book an appointment online today.