A Diabetic Dentist Can Help You to Stay Healthy

As a local diabetic dentist, we can help patients to avoid oral health issues. Diabetics are at a higher risk for all types of infections since diabetes hinders the body’s ability to produce white blood cells that are able to fight off the infection. This impacts oral health because when bacteria enters the mouth a diabetic is less able to fight off the bacteria and prevent it from causing gum disease or tooth decay.

Regular trips to the dentist can help a diabetic to stay in good oral health because we are able to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar that has built up, thereby preventing cavities and gum disease. When scheduling a visit make sure to bring the contact information for the doctor treating your diabetes, when you last took insulin, if you had a hypoglycemic episode lately, and all of the medications that you are taking. This information needs to be evaluated while creating your overall dental treatment plan. Coordinated care is important for diabetics and our office staff take all medications into consideration.

During your visit be prepared to discuss your overall health with the dentist, so that we can determine if you are fit to have any major dental procedures done. If your blood sugar levels have spiked recently, non-emergency dental care may need to be postponed as your body’s ability to fight infection and recover may be greatly reduced. This does not apply to regular teeth cleanings. Our staff is very gentle and can clean your teeth without being invasive.

During your teeth cleanings, we will inform you of any potential oral health issues that we see and if there is anything additional you should be doing to protect your teeth and gums. By having a plan for preventative care, you can help to stop oral health issues before they become a problem. While some of these steps may take time, they will save you the time that is caused by having to deal with gum disease or tooth decay.

As a diabetic dentist we recommend that our patients do the following:

• Attend all scheduled doctors’ appointments. Your doctor plays a critical role in helping you to stay healthy by controlling your blood sugar. Your doctor will likely monitor any spikes in your blood sugar and let you know if your diet or medication needs to be adjusted. Finding the perfect balance can take time but will improve your health overall.

• Visit the dentist twice a year. You should have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year in order to have bacteria and plaque removed from your teeth and gums. Diabetics have a more difficult time fighting bacterial infections and by removing bacteria early, we can help you to stay healthy.

• Eat a balanced diet. A healthy diet of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains will help you to stay healthy overall, and the nutrients will strengthen your teeth.

• Brush and floss. After every meal, you should brush your teeth, floss at least once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash daily. This will help you to kill bacteria before it causes any problems.

Diabetics don’t have to be at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. By taking care of your overall health and keeping your blood sugar under control, your oral health can be as good as non-diabetics. Schedule your appointment today to learn how our dentist can help to keep you in good oral health.