Oral and Overall Health Affect Each Other

What do turkeys and diabetes have in common?

Well, Thanksgiving and American Diabetes Month are both in November, so we talk about them with our patients throughout the month.

You might wonder why a dentist cares about diabetes. At 1st In Smiles, we know that oral and overall health are directly connected, and this seems to be true with diabetes and gum disease in particular.

Researchers believe diabetes and periodontal disease share a common factor – inflammation – that’s responsible for the way they affect each other. Based on studies, people with diabetes may have a harder time controlling diabetes, and vice versa. Also, diabetics can have trouble fighting infection.

If you have diabetes or gum disease, it’s possible one could indicate risk for the other. That’s why it’s important to partner with a dental team who understands the oral and overall health connection. We can treat gum disease and reduce inflammation with tried-and-true treatments and even periodontal antibiotics.

If you have bleeding, tender gums or need a gum assessment in Plano, call 1st In Smiles today at 972-380-8105. You can also contact us online. In the meantime, you can find out a little more about the oral and overall health relationship in this ADA video.