The month of November is known for celebrating Thanksgiving and enjoying the cooler temperatures and changing of the seasons. It’s a wonderful time of year. But did you know it’s also a time to highlight diabetes? November is American Diabetes Month. It’s an important time to focus our attention on the disease that affects tens of millions of people. You can read more about diabetes on the American Diabetes Association website here.

When discussing diabetes, it’s important to include the link between diabetes and your dental health. If you have diabetes, you may have an increased risk of gum disease. If you have diabetes you are more susceptible to have oral health problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The reason for this increased risk is due to the fact that you are more susceptible to bacterial infection. This increase makes you have a decreased ability to combat bacteria that can attack your gums.

The good news is that you can lower your risk of gum disease by controlling your blood glucose levels and by maintaining proper daily dental health practices. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss your teeth one time a day.

If you have diabetes, Hudson Oaks Family Dentistry suggests scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months. We encourage you to control your blood glucose level to prevent or relieve dry mouth that can be caused by your diabetes.

Call and book your dental cleaning and checkup with Dr. J.C. Reagan today.

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