When it comes to your dental health, it can be affected by more than you think. Take the diagnosis of diabetes, for example. This type of disease can have far-reaching effects on various body functions, and your mouth is one of them. For what newly diagnosed diabetes sufferers should know about their dental health, read on.

It's All About Your Gum Health

When many consider dental health, they start with the way their teeth look. However, if your gums are not healthy, your teeth will simply fall out! Your gums and teeth depend on each other, and both must be healthy.  Teeth in poor health can also create problems with your gums. Problems with gums can begin with a tiny break in either a tooth or a gum. A small cavity, a hairline crack, or a cut on the gum can all begin as barely noticeable issues. In some cases, the body's immune system protects your mouth from problems. However, those with diabetes may have compromised immune systems. That can mean even tiny issues can result in an infection. For diabetics, infections may not clear as easily as they should and that can mean a body-wide problem.

When Gum Issues Affect Diabetics

It works both ways with gum health and diabetes. When gum disease (periodontal disease) is present, a diabetic might suffer from an increased likelihood of unsafe blood glucose levels because of the infection. As you know, your overall health can be best maintained by keeping glucose levels below or above a certain number. Speak to your dentist about dealing with the gum infection right away before more damage is done. In most cases, your dentist will prescribe an oral antibiotic to get rid of the injection. For severe infections, intravenous antibiotic therapy could be ordered. Then, a return trip to the dentist to deal with the underlying problem that caused the infection is in order.

Dry Mouth Problems

Having a dry mouth is not just annoying but can be harmful to your teeth and gums. Your mouth depends on the constant wash of saliva to rinse away bacteria from the mouth. Those suffering from diabetes might notice dry mouth as a side effect of the disease or from medications used to help maintain blood sugar levels.

Talk to Your Dentist

As soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes, talk with your dentist about the way it might affect your dental health. In many cases, your blood glucose readings could affect the timing of needed procedures. Keep your dentist informed about all aspects of your health and especially about your diabetes.

For more information, contact dentists near you.