How Does Diabetes Affect Dental Treatment? Exploring the Connection
It’s no secret that diabetes and dental health are interconnected. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to several oral health problems like periodontal disease, tooth decay, and fungal infections. Conversely, poor oral hygiene can make it difficult to control blood sugar levels, putting people with diabetes at risk of severe complications.
That’s why it’s so crucial for people with diabetes to take good care of their teeth and gums. In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing daily, people with diabetes should see their dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. And if you have diabetes, be sure to let your dentist in Manteca, CA, know so they can take extra steps to protect your oral health.
The Connection between Diabetes and oral health
As we all know, diabetes can majorly impact our overall health – but did you know it can also affect your oral health? Here’s how:
Saliva is vital to keeping our mouths healthy. It washes away food and bacteria and helps control the sugar level in our mouths. However, high blood sugar levels can reduce saliva production, leaving the mouth vulnerable to infection.
Diabetes can also cause changes in the gums, making them more susceptible to inflammation and gum disease. People with diabetes are likely to develop gum disease than those without diabetes. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, so it’s vital to monitor your gums and see a dentist regularly if you have diabetes.
Diabetes may make you more prone to developing thrush – a condition caused by a build-up of yeast in the mouth. Thrush can cause white patches on your tongue or inside your cheeks, making your mouth feel sore or burning. If you think you might have thrush, see your dentist or doctor for treatment.
Strategies for Managing Diabetes to Protect Oral Health
Many strategies can help people with diabetes protect their oral health. Some key strategies include:
- Maintaining good blood sugar control. This is essential for protecting all aspects of your health, including your teeth and gums. Be sure to work closely with your doctor to maintain blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
- Brushing and flossing regularly. Good oral hygiene habits are essential for everyone, but especially for people with diabetes who are at increased risk for gum disease. Ensure you brush with a soft toothbrush to remove plaque.
- Seeing your dentist regularly. It is vital to seek general dentistry in Manteca at least bi-annually or for professional cleanings and checkups. This allows the dentist to examine the gums, monitor your oral health, and catch any problems before they become more serious.
- Quit smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products of any kind. Tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for developing gum disease, so quitting is vital to protect your teeth and gums.
- Eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A healthy diet helps to keep your entire body healthy, including your teeth and gums.
How Does Diabetes Affect Dental Treatment?
Diabetes can have a significant impact on dental treatment and oral health. High blood sugar increases the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay and may also have a higher risk of infection after dental procedures.
Dental treatment for people with diabetes often requires special considerations. For example, people with diabetes may need extra care to control their blood sugar levels before and after dental procedures to reduce the risk of complications. In some cases, people with diabetes may need to receive antibiotics before certain dental procedures to help prevent infections.
If you have diabetes, working closely with your dentist to ensure that your oral health is well-managed is vital. Be sure to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your medical condition so that they can provide the best possible care for you.
Schedule an Appointment
The connection between diabetes and dental health is undeniable. People with diabetes must be especially vigilant in caring for their teeth and gums, as they are at greater risk of developing various oral problems due to the condition. Visit Valley View Dental in Manteca.