Diabetes affects the whole body. It can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes, heart, kidneys, and feet. It can also affect the mouth. According to the American Dental Association, “Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the body’s ability to convert food into energy.” In addition, the ADA states that high blood glucose associated with diabetes can also damage blood vessels and nerves in the mouth. This nerve damage can lead to dry mouth or gum disease. Both of these conditions can, in turn, lead to additional oral complications like cavities, gum recession, tooth loss, and more. This is why dental care is especially important for people with diabetes.

How Does Diabetes Affect Your Oral Health?

When you have diabetes, you’re at risk for developing gum disease. As a result, your dentist may recommend more frequent checkups to closely monitor the condition of your gums. The good news is that you can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease by taking good care of your teeth at home. Brushing and flossing each day can keep plaque at bay and prevent bacteria from causing an infection in your gums. Good oral hygiene habits can also lower your risk for other oral health problems.

Plaque is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. If left untreated, this sticky, colorless substance can eventually cause cavities. The best way to avoid this is by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel of your teeth, which can protect the teeth against decay. However, if you still do develop cavities, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatment. The longer your cavity goes untreated, the more likely it is that the tooth will have to be pulled.

In addition to taking proper care of your teeth, it’s important to visit our practice for regular checkups as well. Typically, we recommend visiting us at least once every six months. At these appointments, we can examine the health and strength of your teeth to ensure that they are in good shape. If we do find signs of a problem, we can use various treatment options to correct it and ensure your smile stays healthy for years to come.

How To Treat Oral Health Issues Caused by Diabetes?

If you want to improve your oral health, you should start by improving your at-home oral care routine to better prevent gum disease and other oral infections. You should also visit our practice regularly so we can monitor the health of your gums and bone structure. With regular visits, we can catch and treat any issues before they turn into serious problems. You can also avoid some complications by following your diabetes treatment plan as recommended. It is important to always follow your treatment plan to lower your risk of further health complications.

Some people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing temporary or permanent nerve damage to the nerves controlling their salivary glands. This means that you don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth clean and healthy. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Talk with your general physician about the medications you are taking for diabetes and how those medications can affect your oral health. If you are having issues with dry mouth, there are a few things you can do to help correct the problem. First, drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth moist. You may also want to consider chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth. Finally, consider using a fluoride rinse at the end of each day to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and strong. Because many toothpastes and mouthwashes contain sugars that lead to tooth decay, only use them once a day to avoid decay and sensitivity.

Contact Rittenhouse Dental Group at 255 S. 17TH ST., STE. 2807, Philadelphia 19103, or call 215-546-2311 to learn more.