Your dental health needs are affected if you have diabetes. A dentist can recommend steps for proper oral hygiene and dental health.
If you are a diagnosed diabetic,
you are more prone for certain oral ailments or mouth weaknesses than others. You are at foremost risk for periodontal disease and other fungal infections. Taking the recommended steps to keeping your mouth healthy is your best defense.
Periodontal disease is a severe infection of the gums that can damage and deteriorate the bones that hold your teeth in place. It can cause bite problems, chewing problems, and even tooth loss. Because diabetes is partly treated by maintaining a strict diet, having conditions present in the mouth that make it difficult to eat can and will certainly make your condition more difficult to control.
Diabetes is also known to cause dry mouth and thrush, which is a fungal infection. Dry mouth happens when you do not produce adequate saliva, and because your condition will also increase the amount of glucose that is present in saliva, thrush often results.
Thrush is painful, and again, as it persist, it will be difficult to maintain your specialized diet. Often when a patient begins having these issues because of diabetes, a vicious cycle of mouth disease and difficulty controlling blood sugar ensues.
You are most likely to suffer from these conditions if you have difficulty controlling your blood glucose, but by following the suggestions of your medical team, you can be successful in all aspects. If you have diabetes, first and foremost you should control your blood sugar. Take all recommendations avidly. Brush at least twice daily and floss each and every day. Regular occurring plaque is a nuisance to most, but it is dangerous to those with certain health issues.
Be sure that your dentist knows about your diagnosis, and keep him or her abreast of all medications, including dosage or brand changes, and of any procedures you undergo. It is also suggested that you include your dentist as someone who has access to your medical records, and allow your doctor the same privileges.
Visit your dentist twice yearly for preventative care and do not lag on undergoing procedures. As soon as an issue is detected, fix it. If you have false teeth, and you are experiencing pain or discomfort, relay the information to both of your doctors, and make an appointment for an adjustment and an exam immediately. Because you are at high risk for infection, even the smallest irritants could be signs of bigger problems to come if they are not addressed.
Remember, excellent glucose control is essential to preventing problems in the mouth. Bleeding or soreness in the gums, dry mouth, bad tastes, and white patches in the moth are all reasons to have your mouth inspected. It should also be noted that smoking complicates all the side effects of diabetes; you can seek cessation advice and tools from any medical person from whom you receive treatment.
