Let’s Talk Diabetes

Did you know November is National Diabetes Month? It’s a great time to spotlight a topic that’s close to both our hearts and your gums: the surprising, two-way relationship between diabetes and your oral health.

The Two-Way Street: Diabetes and Your Gums

Think of it this way: your mouth and your body are communicating constantly. When blood sugar is high, it creates a “perfect storm” that makes gum disease worse, and vice-versa.

If your blood sugar is high, your immune system is weakened, making it harder to fight off the bacteria that cause gum disease. The inflammation in your mouth enters your bloodstream, making it harder for your body to manage your blood sugar. This leads to higher HbA1c levels.

Studies show that treating gum disease can help lower your HbA1c. That’s why we are so careful with your gum health and recommend proactive preventive treatment.

3 Simple Habits That Can Help Your A1c Score

Taking care of your gums is a vital part of managing your diabetes! You already know the drill, but here’s why these habits are extra critical for our diabetic patients:

🦷 Brush at Least Twice and Floss Once Daily (No Cheating!): Flossing removes the sticky plaque that leads to gum inflammation. That inflammation is what messes with your insulin sensitivity! It’s one of the easiest ways to literally reduce systemic inflammation in your body.

🥛Rinse with Water After Sweets/Juice: Diabetes can cause dry mouth, which reduces the natural protective saliva your teeth need. Sipping water after a sugary treat (including carbonated beverages, sweetened tea and coffee, fruit juice, and sports drinks!) helps rinse away cavity-causing acids and sugar.

🗓️ Don’t Skip Your Cleanings! For our patients with diabetes, we might suggest coming in more frequently than three times a year (maybe every three months). We can often spot an oral issue before it becomes a problem that impacts your blood sugar.

We Want to Partner With You! If you’re managing diabetes, please let our team know! We keep all information confidential, but knowing your health status helps us recommend the best cleaning schedule and treatment for you.

Myth Busting: Does Diabetes Guarantee Tooth Loss?

The Short Answer: NO!

While the research shows that diabetes significantly increases your risk for problems like gum disease and tooth loss, it is absolutely preventable and manageable.

You can save your teeth!

The key is early and consistent care. People with diabetes tend to have a higher prevalence and severity of gum disease, with up to 80% of diabetics aged 45–54 suffering from periodontal disease. However, regular dental care and maintaining good glycemic control can dramatically reduce that risk.

Tap this link to learn more:

How Oral Health Impacts Diabetes – Encino dentist Dr. Isaac Comfortes

Call us at (818) 990-9101 to request an appointment!