Why Blood Sugar Levels Matter for Your Dental Health

When addressing your oral health, it is important that you also determine what factors may be detrimental to it. When it comes to the teeth, any dentist in Vaughan will tell you that sugar is a major culprit of many oral issues. Both consuming sugar and having high blood sugar levels can cause gum disease, tooth decay, inflammation, and more. This is why it is important to limit sugar intake and eat sweets in moderation. If you are eating sugary foods, it is vital that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine to help mitigate risks. If you feel like you’ve been struggling with your oral health and want to get some professional help, contact Mackenzie Dental Centre. If you need urgent help, we have an emergency dentist in Vaughan who can help with your needs. Contact us today!

Gum Disease

When your blood sugar levels are high, it can impact the fluids in your mouth, which can increase your risk of gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gum tissue surrounding your teeth. In its early stages, gum disease is more treatable; however, if you let it progress for too long, it can turn into full-on periodontal disease, which is not reversible. 

When you eat a lot of sugar, especially on an empty stomach, your blood sugar levels can spike very quickly. When this happens, the glucose levels in your oral fluids also increase. The increase in glucose in your mouth promotes the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause cavities and swelling. So, in order to lower your risk of developing gum diseases, you’ll want to consider reducing your sugar intake. 

Tooth Decay

One of the main causes of tooth decay is excessive bacteria in the mouth. When you eat sugary foods or drinks, a specific type of bacteria in your mouth, called Streptococcus mutans, uses the sugar as a fuel source. As the bacteria break down the sugar, it produces acid as a byproduct, creating an acidic environment that lowers the pH in your mouth. This acid starts to erode the tooth’s enamel—the hard outer layer that protects against decay—making it more susceptible to cavities. Additionally, this bacteria thrives in plaque, the sticky film that forms on teeth, which traps these acids against the enamel and prolongs exposure. Over time, this constant acid attack weakens the enamel, leading to tooth decay. Limiting sugar intake and practicing good oral hygiene can help keep this bacteria in check and protect your teeth from damage.

Slower Healing

To many people’s surprise, high sugar levels actually impact your body’s ability to heal. This is a common symptom of diabetes. People with diabetes tend to heal wounds very slowly, as their body is not able to effectively use glucose. In the body, glucose is meant to be converted into energy. However, this is something that diabetics or those with insulin resistance cannot do. When your sugar levels are high, it can prevent your immune system from functioning efficiently, thus impacting your ability to heal. This can make it harder for your body to fight off any kind of damaging bacteria in your mouth, which can eventually lead to infections. This may also make it harder for you to recover from dental procedures or trauma. 

Lifestyle Changes to Make

In order to minimize the impact of sugar on your teeth and oral health, it is important that you:

• Limit Sugar: Aim to reduce your sugar intake for best results. Additionally, ensure you are not eating sugary foods on an empty stomach to avoid intense blood sugar spikes.
• Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush twice a day and floss once a day in order to reduce the buildup of sugar-feeding bacteria. 
• Get in Some Movement: Exercising regularly or even going on short walks can help increase your insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to use glucose more effectively. This, in turn, will lower blood sugar levels. 

Improve Oral Health by Lowering Blood Sugar

Overall, blood sugar levels can play a massive role in your oral health. Poor oral hygiene, in combination with high sugar, can lead to gum disease, excessive inflammation in the mouth, slower healing, and tooth decay. In order to ensure your teeth remain healthy, you must visit a dentist in Vaughan twice annually for a cleaning and check-up. Call Mackenzie Dental Centre to visit our emergency dentist in Vaughan or schedule an appointment. Contact us today!

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