Pre-Diabetes Puts Your Dental Health At Risk

By Jill Feilmeier on March 25, 2014 in Dental Health

As research continues to emerge, we are learning how our oral health is connected to our overall health. Once considered to be a cosmetic issue, bad teeth have been implicated in a many diseases including heart disease and strokes.

Pre-diabetes is another example of the many systemic connections between the mouth and the body. Denmark researchers found that people who had gum disease – gingivitis or periodontitis – have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Fortunately, the study also found that taking care of your teeth and gums can slow down the progression of the disease and in some cases, prevent it all together.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 70 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition diagnosed prior to Type 2 diabetes. People with pre-diabetes have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

A pre-diabetes diagnosis is serious, but it does not have to result in diabetes if lifestyle changes are made. Losing weight, exercising moderately and even walking just 30 minutes a day will help return your blood glucose levels to the normal range.

Good food choices and dental hygiene habits help too. If you have pre-diabetes, eat a balanced diet and brush and floss daily. Don't smoke, and see your dentist regularly for checkups.

Good health starts with a healthy mouth!