We’ve said it before—gum disease doesn’t just affect your oral health, it has an impact on your overall wellbeing. That even goes for patients with diabetes.
What’s the connection? Though it’s not entirely understood, it would appear that the relationship between gum disease occurs two ways.
Here’s what we know:
Gum disease forms when bacteria and plaque accumulate around the gum line. This causes the tissue to become irritated, resulting in an infection. The body responds to this infection by raising blood sugar levels, in turn raising a patient’s risk of experiencing diabetic complications.
Now, consider the other side. Patients who are diabetic are already more susceptible to developing an infection, because of the differences with their blood sugar—and that includes a greater susceptibility to gum disease.
All of which means that diabetic patients should make regular dental care a priority—in fact, all patients should make regular care a priority. With checkups and cleanings twice a year, Dr. Latner will have a chance to watch your smile for changes, even very small ones. If we find anything that requires extra care, we can put together a treatment plan immediately.
Call us today if you’re ready to schedule an appointment. Dr. Latner serves patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, and Mar Vista. Helping you enjoy good oral and overall health throughout your life is our highest goal.