Do you or a loved one have diabetes? If so, you may already be familiar with the challenges of managing blood sugar levels, but did you know that your oral health could be playing a significant role? At Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, we’re here to explain why maintaining your oral health is crucial for managing diabetes—and how we can help you stay on top of both.
The Diabetes and Periodontal Disease Connection
Research shows that up to 95% of people with diabetes also have periodontal disease (gum disease). The relationship between diabetes and gum health is a two-way street: uncontrolled blood sugar makes it harder to fight off gum infections, while gum disease makes it more difficult to regulate blood sugar levels.
Periodontal disease is a serious inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infections in the gums. If left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and increase the risk of systemic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and more—especially in people with diabetes.
The cycle can be tough to break:
Gum disease increases insulin resistance, making it harder to control blood sugar levels.
High blood sugar levels feed bacterial infections, accelerating gum disease.
This creates a vicious cycle where oral health and diabetes management are intertwined, each worsening the other if not properly addressed.
Do You Know Your A1C?
Monitoring your A1C level is key to managing diabetes. The A1C test measures your average blood sugar over the past three months, helping to diagnose and track diabetes. At Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, we partner with the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Central Ohio to offer whole-body health services and help you achieve a healthy A1C (5.5 or lower) through personalized care.
A Different Approach to Dental Care
At Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, Dr. Barb McClatchie and her team take a personalized, comprehensive approach to care that goes beyond what you’ll find at traditional dental practices. We understand that oral health is deeply connected to overall health, and we’re committed to addressing the root causes of disease—not just the symptoms.
What makes us different?
We utilize saliva testing to detect high-risk pathogens that cause periodontal disease. These harmful bacteria are directly linked to diabetes complications, and by identifying and treating them early, we can help you manage both your oral and overall health more effectively.
Dr. McClatchie and her team are BaleDoneen Method certified, which means we take a holistic approach, working to prevent heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and other systemic diseases by targeting inflammation and infection at their source—including in the mouth.
We also help monitor your A1C levels, a crucial metric for managing diabetes. The A1C test provides a three-month average of blood sugar levels, helping us diagnose, track, and manage diabetes effectively. Through our partnership with the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Central Ohio, we provide comprehensive, whole-body care to help you achieve a healthy A1C of 5.5 or lower through personalized care plans.
By integrating these targeted methods, we ensure our approach is rooted in whole-body health, giving you the care and guidance needed for optimal wellness.
How Periodontal Disease Affects Diabetes Management
When periodontal disease is present, it complicates blood sugar control, making it harder to manage diabetes. In fact, gum disease can lead to higher blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of serious complications like heart disease and nerve damage.
However, the reverse is also true: managing your oral health can significantly improve diabetes outcomes. Patients who maintain healthy gums often experience better blood sugar control, improving both oral health and overall well-being.
What You Can Do
This November, for World Diabetes Day, we encourage you to take a closer look at the link between your oral health and diabetes. With the right care, including a complete health approach from Dr. Barb McClatchie and her team at Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, you can break the cycle of oral inflammation and better control your diabetes.
If you're ready to take control of your health and reduce your risk of these life-altering diseases, schedule an appointment today by calling us at (614) 885-3602.
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