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Diabetes Impacts Your Dental Health
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. There are almost 30 million Americans with diabetes in the United States. Along with overall health concerns, diabetes impacts your dental health as well. People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease, oral infections and dry mouth to name a few.
Periodontal disease is perhaps the most common dental problem for diabetics. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that can destroy the soft and hard structures supporting your teeth. Gingivitis is the beginning stages of gum disease and is marked by red and swollen gums. This is the body’s natural response to harmful bacteria. If left untreated, the more serious form of periodontal disease can develop. The gums will pull away from the teeth and the supporting bone is destroyed. With no supporting structure, the teeth may become loose and fall out.
Any infection in the body may cause blood sugar levels to rise. This makes diabetes harder to control because you are more susceptible to infections and are less able to fight off the bacteria in the gums. Controlling your blood glucose level, practicing good oral hygiene habits and regular checkups are vital in preventing dental problems with diabetes.
At Westchase Premier Dental, we encourage nutritious food choices to keep your smile healthy and bright. Keeping your sugar intake to a minimum will help control the bacteria levels that cause tooth decay. Drinking plenty of water will not only keep you hydrated, it also rinses away excess food particles from your teeth. These simple dietary measures are equally as important as proper dental care at home, regular checkups and professional cleanings. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528 to make your next dental appointment and keep your smile in excellent health.
Source: Colgate
October Is National Dental Hygiene Month!
The Westchase Premier Dental Team is happy to share that October as National Dental Hygiene Month. This month is the perfect time for a simple reminder of how important your teeth are, along with your overall health. Staying on top of your home dental routine, a healthy diet and regular dental checkups will ensure a long-lasting healthy and bright smile.
The Focus of National Dental Hygiene Month
For the seventh straight year, The American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) and Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company have teamed together to promote and encourage the importance of oral health care maintenance to the public. They work together to raise public awareness and have dedicated October as National Dental Hygiene Month with 4 key components:
1. Brush – Brushing your teeth twice daily is important to keep the plaque from accumulating and causing oral and health problems.
2. Floss – By flossing once daily, you can rid your mouth of the plaque that is caught between the teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
3. Rinse – Antimicrobial mouth rinses can kill any bacteria that brushing and flossing left behind.
4. Chew – Chewing helps produce saliva, which helps naturally rinse the teeth. Chewing a sugar-free gum can aid in the removal of food and plaque between brushings.
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Chewing sugar-free gum is a fun way to help keep teeth healthy while on-the-go after eating and drinking.
Source: ADHA.org
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment
The entire dental team at Westchase Premier Dental is dedicated to keeping our patients with healthy and bright smiles. If it has been six months since your last dental check-up, we encourage you to make your appointment and keep your smile the priority that it should be. Contact Westchase Premier Dental for to schedule your next appointment at (813) 475 – 4528.
