Dentists, Diabetes, and You: Effects Diabetes has on Teeth and GumsOCTOBER 25, 2023In the United States, one in ten people have diabetes. However, one in five people with the disease arent aware they have it. This is concerning because managing the condition without a diagnosis can be challenging.While a medical doctor is often the first to see symptoms of diabetes, your dentist is another professional who can spot signs of the condition during your preventive checkups. Diabetes can have a serious impact on your oral health; therefore, its important to properly manage the disease if youre diagnosed.DIABETES IN THE UNITED STATESDiabetes is one of the most common types of chronic disease in America, which is why its important to understand the effect of diabetes on oral health.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 37.3 million people living in the U.S. have diabetes, yet only about half are officially diagnosed with the disease.More shockingly, as many as 96 million Americans are prediabetic, meaning they have a higher than normal blood sugar, but its not high enough to be considered diabetic.The number of diabetes diagnoses is expected to dramatically increase in the United States during the next decade. Because of this, keeping track of any changes in your oral or physical health is essential. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious medical complications and even death, so its vital to go to preventive medical and dental appointments where professionals can spot signs of the condition.Although there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications.DIABETES AND ORAL HEALTHDiabetes impacts many parts of the body, including the mouth and teeth. If diabetes is left untreated, patients may experience the following symptoms:Dry mouth due to less saliva productionA higher risk of cavities and tooth decayIncreased risk of developing gum diseaseA higher risk of developing an infection in the gum and bone that hold teeth in placeTooth lossBad breathDuring your bi-annual preventive checkups, your dentist can compare any changes in your oral health that may indicate diabetes. Maintaining good dental health habits and receiving professional deep cleanings from your dentist can also help lower your HbA1c or average blood glucose levels.Its a two-way street! Though dental patients with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, dental cleanings help reduce a diabetic patients risk factors for unhealthy glucose levels.REDUCING YOUR RISK OF DIABETESPreventing diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes, is one of the best ways to care for your oral and physical health. Medical professionals recommend the following to reduce your risk of developing the disease:Eat more plant-based food such as leafy greens, legumes, fruits from trees, and whole grainsSkip trendy diets and focus on maintenanceLose excess weightMove your body for at least 30 minutes a dayIncrease good fats, such as olive oil and nuts, in your dietDENTAL APPOINTMENTS ARE IMPORTANT FOR ORAL AND OVERALL HEALTHVisits with your dentist are important for oral and overall health. Dentist keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and are also on the lookout for changes in your overall health. Small changes in your mouth may not mean much to you, but to  dentists, these changes  can indicate bigger problems such as diabetes, oral cancer, and other medical conditions.For more information about how dental appointments help your overall health, check out this blog.CLINIC AND PROVIDER TIPS, ORAL HEALTH

Lower Your Risk of Oral CancerAPRIL 21, 2021Guest Blog by Dr. Mark Alexander, DMD*In recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness month (April) Id like to recommend two easy ways you can help lower the risk of oral cancer impacting you or your loved ones. My family practice, Alexander Dental Group, has been serving the Twin Falls area for 75 years now and, in that time, Im sorry to say, we have seen oral cancer from minor and easily treated to untreatable with a grave prognosis.  Early diagnosis is critical to say the least! According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. So, my first recommendation is that everyone see their dentist regularly (once every 6 months), AND, ask your dentist to perform an Oral Cancer Screening (OCS) with each checkup, if theyre not doing so already.  While the OCS is not perfect (some cancer can be very hard to find with the OCS), this screening is very important in finding potential oral cancer. The screening is painless and only takes about 90 seconds. And while your family doctor should also be examining your mouth, your dentist probably gives you more frequent exams and therefore is more likely to catch oral pathology earlywhich is so important! Second, use sunscreen on your lips. Lip cancer is usually treated surgicallywhich includes removal of the lesion AND healthy tissue surrounding the cancer. Obviously, this can impact your ability to eat and speak and may become a cosmetic deficiency. Lip balm with SPF 15 (SPF 30 is even better) should be applied regularly, especially if you are in the sun. Its not just for chapped lips!These are two relatively easy ways to lower your risk of oral cancer; regular screenings and protective sunscreen. If you have any questions about your oral health, or have concerns about your risk for oral cancer, please talk to your dentist. Were here to help.*Dr. Mark Alexander, DMD, provides a wide range of dental care and services including restorative procedures at his practice, Alexander Dental Group, in Twin Falls. He is also a board member of Delta Dental of Idaho.

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