Diabetes is one of the most common issues that affects the health of Americans. Nearly 29 million Americans have to handle this struggle on a daily basis, and it can be a little confusing for many patients. This auto-immune disease affects the production of our hormone insulin, or its reception by our body. This hormone allows for the transfer of glucose from our blood system into our cells, and without it, our body feels as if it is starving. Meanwhile, the carbohydrates that are not able to move are left building up within our bloodstream.
Elevated blood glucose levels can lead to serious complications with your health all around. This buildup can destroy our smallest circulatory vessels, the capillaries. Concerns from this include within the eye, where leaking blood can lead to spotted areas of blindness. Other major areas of concern are the hands and feet, leading to neuropathy and potential amputation.
This disorder can also have serious effects on the quality of our smile. Today, your Newhall, CA dentist speaks to you about some of the easiest ways to avoid the damage that comes alongside untreated diabetes. Taking care of your health is within your reach!
Turning On Ourselves
Type I diabetes is an auto-immune condition, which means that our own systems hurt the body. Conditions such as these differ from conditions that may be caused by infection or damage. This form of the disease is characterized by the inability of our pancreas to properly secrete the hormone insulin. Type II refers to the situation where our body begins to develop a resistance to the insulin that we create.
When blood sugars are allowed to stay elevated, the body tries to flush the excess. Primarily, this happens through large increases in urination, where glucose can be packed into the outgoing fluid. But our saliva is another avenue that can help rid ourselves from blood glucose.
Unfortunately, this can lead to a sugary mouth when simply resting. No matter how much you brush your teeth, you will be replenishing this quicker than you can address it. Maintaining a strict control over your glucose levels is the best way to avoid this sort of damage.
Stay Hydrated
While attempting to flush the body of glucose, your body can empty itself of liquids pretty quickly. If you permit your levels to stay out of range, this can develop into serious oral health harm. Our saliva is a highly antibacterial liquid that serves a distinct biological purpose. Without this, our gums and our teeth are in danger!
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is also much more likely to develop in diabetic patients. This can lead to gum recession, which leaves the roots of the teeth uncovered. Without the gum’s protection, infection can develop within the structure of the tooth itself. It’s important to know that 1 in 5, or 20% of tooth loss is directly connected to diabetes.
Learn More On How To Protect Your Smile
Diabetes can take its toll on your smile! If you struggle with this condition, you’re not alone. Contact your Newhall, CA, dentist, Dr. Tajik, by calling (661) 259-7760.