1-800-PAINLESSDid y’all hear Paula Deen’s announcement that she has diabetes? Sorry, I couldn’t resist the use of a good “y’all” in Paula Deen’s honor! While some people automatically blame the diagnosis on her diet (I just caught a rerun of her show where she served a burger on a doughnut!), the truth is that there are a number of risk factors besides weight for diabetes including family history and age. Since her diagnosis, I’m sure Paula Deen has spent a lot of time learning a whole slew of information about the disease, including the long list of complications diabetes can bring.
Complications people with diabetes can encounter include vision problems, issues with feet and skin including sores and infections, difficulty controlling blood pressure, and kidney problems just to name a few. If you or a loved one is diabetic, the disease basically forces you to pay more careful attention to your health and the condition of your body. This includes monitoring your blood sugars, taking medications regularly and attending regular checkups with your physician.
Along with the complications I’ve already mentioned, diabetes can also affect the health of your mouth. According to the Michigan Dental Association, “As a diabetes patient, you’re twice as likely as a person without diabetes to develop gum disease (periodontal disease) and if you do, the infection will most likely be more severe.” What is gum disease? It’s the infection of the bones and gums that surround your teeth. Untreated, gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss. The problem is twofold considering that diabetes can increase your chances of developing gum disease while at the same time, if you have gum disease it can make it more difficult to control your diabetes.
In most cases people do not realize that they have gum disease because it often does not hurt in its beginning stages. By the time it does hurt, it is usually too late to save the teeth because they become loose and may even fall out. It is best to catch the infection as soon as possible so you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.
- Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth
- Bright red or red-purple appearance to gums
- Tender gums when touched
- Swollen gums
- Mouth sores
- A shiny appearance to gums
- Loose teeth
It is especially important for people with diabetes to visit their dentist regularly. Your dentist will want to do whatever necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free of gum disease. This may include recommending more frequent cleanings than the standard six month interval. Your dentist may also recommend the use of mouthwash and will definitely stress the importance of regular and efficient brushing and flossing. Dealing with diabetes can add complications to your life, but taking steps to prevent complications will help maintain good health.
