Most people know about watching out for diabetes-related issues in their blood work or their eyesight, but if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes you also have to pay special attention to your oral health.
If you have diabetes or a family history of diabetes, you likely already know that it is a disease that can potentially affect all of the parts of your body. Most people know about watching out for diabetes-related issues in their blood work or their eyesight, but if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes you also have to pay special attention to your oral health.
Gum Disease
Uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes often results in high glucose levels in the body. These high levels create an environment where bacteria can thrive and multiply. A result of this is that plaque is more likely to harden into tartar, especially above the gum line. This coupled with diabetics’ lowered resistance to infection means that a person with diabetes is much more likely to develop gum disease. If your gums are red and swollen or they bleed easily or if there is pus, see a dentist as soon as you can. And remember that a good oral care routine, including brushing twice a day and flossing is the best way to care for your teeth.
Thrush
Thrush is the common name for Oral Candidiasis, a fungal infection that causes sore, red or white patches in the mouth and possibly ulcers. Thrush grows more easily when you have diabetes because you have less saliva and that saliva often has more glucose in it. If you take antibiotics often, that can also increase the likelihood of thrush. Practicing good oral hygiene and maintaining your glucose levels are the best ways to prevent thrush.
Dry Mouth
There are lots of ways that diabetes can lead to dry mouth conditions. Both high blood sugar levels and the medications for diabetes can potentially decrease saliva production leading to a dry mouth. And a dry mouth is more than simply an uncomfortable feeling. Dry mouth can lead to a greater risk of cavities since there is less saliva to wash away food and bacteria. Drinking more water can help, as can chewing sugar-free gum or using a saliva substitute.
Slow Healing
If your diabetes is poorly controlled, it can cause your body to be slower at healing after injuries or medical treatments, including dental procedures. This happens because blood flow is not as good, so the impacted areas don’t receive the routine healing processes that they should. If your blood sugar levels are out of hand, hold off on dental procedures until you get them under control.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.