Diabetes dental care

Why is diabetes bad for your teeth? How can dentists help patients with diabetes? How does diabetes affect dental health? Can diabetes affect oral health? Tooth decay (cavities).

Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria.

When starches and sugars in foods and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the surfaces of your teeth (enamel and dentin). See full list on mayoclinic. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches and the more acid wearing away at your teeth.

The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the part of your gums around the base of your teeth, called the gingiva. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis).

This is known as gingivitis.

Left untreate gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth, which in turn causes your teeth to loosen and possibly fall out. Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which in turn makes your diabetes more difficult to control. Preventing and treating periodontitis with regular dental cleanings can help improve blood sugar control.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums.

Consider using an electric toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush well. Get a new toothbrush at least every three months. Diabetes can affect your whole body , including your mouth.

So you’ll want to take special care of your teeth and gums. It’s also important to manage your blood sugar. Over time, increased levels of. Recommendations for Oral Care. Examine the patient’s mouth as part of routine diabetes care: Examine teeth and gums for plaque , gingival inflammation , and caries.

Inquire about pain and look for problems , including sores , swollen or bleeding gums , loose teeth , mouth ulcers or growths , candidiasis , or decayed teeth.

Lack of attention to your oral health can impact your diabetes and vice versa. According to Amy Wachter, M clinical leader of Christiana Care Endocrinology Specialists in Wilmington, DE, oral health among those with diabetes does not get enough attention. The right diabetes dental care can help. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop gum disease. Serious gum disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar.

Regular dental visits are important. Research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in patients living with diabetes , decreasing the progression of the disease. Practicing good oral hygiene and having professional deep cleanings done by your dentist can help to lower your HbA1c.

As with any patient, the dentist should review the patient’s medical history, take vital signs, and evaluate for oral signs and symptoms of inadequately controlled diabetes, which may be common. Dental Care and Diabetes. Taking proper care of your teeth and gums is extremely important. Here are some tips for looking after your teeth if you have diabetes : Control your diabetes as well as possible and see your doctor regularly. Thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day.

Floss your teeth at least once per day. Visit your dentist regularly. People with type diabetes are more likely to suffer oral health complications.

In fact, your risk is increased 2-fold compared with the rest of the population. Related Publications. We know that diabetic patients need to take special precautions when it comes to their health care , so we created this quick guide on what diabetes means for your. Overall, diabetic patients respond to most dental treatments similarly to the way nondiabetic patients respond.

Responses to therapy depend on many factors that are specific to each individual, including oral hygiene, diet, habits such as tobacco use, proper dental care and follow-up, overall oral health , and metabolic control of diabetes. Periodontal disease can lead to pain, bad breath that doesn’t go away, chewing difficulties, and even tooth loss. The link between diabetes and oral health problems is high blood sugar.

If blood sugar is poorly controlle oral health problems are more likely to develop. Dry Mouth You may notice that you have a dry mouth at times. Problems with teeth and gums can be more common for people with diabetes , so good dental health is important to prevent dental complications developing.

Get the right care for you. We encourage people with diabetes and their loved ones to learn as much as possible about the latest medical therapies and approaches, as well as healthy lifestyle choices. This, plus good communication.