Good oral health is a way to help manage diabetes.
Nearly 2.5 million people in Washington have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disease where the body’s blood glucose (blood sugar) level is too high. Our bodies get glucose or sugar from the food we eat and use it for energy.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to learn about a surprising way to help manage diabetes – good oral health.
Having diabetes makes people more susceptible to gum disease – but the reverse is also true: having gum disease makes managing blood sugar more difficult, leading to diabetes complications. Signs of gum disease include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Receding gums
Taking care of your mouth is an easy way to help manage your diabetes. Learn how to unleash the power of oral health and stay healthier. Visit TheMightyMouth.org/diabetes.