Your Mouth Is the Gateway to Your Body

Over time, inflammation and the chemicals that the inflammation releases will eat away at the gums and the bones of the mouth, resulting in a severe disease known as periodontitis—one of the strongest links to diabetes that there is.

“Periodontal disease can further complicate diabetes because the in ammation from the disease actually impairs the patient’s ability to utilize insulin,” explains Richter. It is a two-way unhealthy relationship, because people with high blood sugar tend to have ideal conditions for bacteria growth in the body and in the mouth. “It starts in the mouth, so caring for your teeth and gums is critical. If you find that you are being diagnosed with periodontal disease, I recommend visiting a board certified periodontist.”