Can Diabetes Cause Your Teeth to Fall Out? | Greensboro Dentist

Can diabetes cause your teeth to fall out? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

Diabetes is a disease that seems to be affecting more and more of us as time goes on. Between our diets and the constant monitoring of glucose levels, there are a lot of changes that occurs in our lives. Did you know that diabetes can affect your smile as well? It’s true. When gum disease progresses to periodontitis, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets. If left untreated, the infection goes on to destroy the bone around your teeth. The teeth may start to move or get loose. Your teeth may fall out or need to be pulled. For the nearly 30 million Americans who have diabetes, there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes.

Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth than non-diabetics. Other oral problems associated to diabetes include: thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities, so make sure you stay on top of your glucose levels.

If you have questions or concerns about how diabetes can affect your dental health, make a dentist appointment today with Dr. Farless at 336-282-2868 or visit our website at www.gsodentist.com.

Dr. Farless also proudly serves Greensboro, Brown Summit, Jamestown, High Point, McLeansville, Summerfield and all surrounding areas.