Dental Care Concerns for Patients with Diabetes

Dr. Jean Barthman is one of the leading dentists in Redwood City. She offers patients some of the finest restorative dentistry services to improve overall dental health and wellness in addition to advanced dental care.

Since more and more people throughout the United States have been fighting diabetes, we'd like to use this blog post as an opportunity to consider the dental care challenges faced by patients who suffer from diabetes.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

Diabetics are often more likely to experience oral infections than non-diabetic patients. This is simply the nature of the health condition. As a result, diabetic patients are more likely to experience gum disease. This includes the first stage of gum disease (gingivitis) as well as more serious stages of gum disease (periodontitis and advanced periodontitis).

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay

In addition to an increased risk of gum disease, many diabetics also face an increased risk of tooth decay. Tooth decay weakens the teeth and makes serious issues with chips, cracks, and root canal infections far more likely.

Increased Issues with Dry Mouth

Diabetics often suffer from dry mouth as a result of the health condition. This makes it more difficult to speak and eat, increases the severity of bad breath, and it can be quite uncomfortable. In addition, dry mouth exacerbates gum disease and tooth decay.

Dealing with Thrush

Thrush is a type of yeast infection that is caused by the candida fungus rather than oral bacteria. Since thrush involves yeast and people with diabetes experience issues with high blood sugar levels, this particular dental problem is more likely with diabetics than other patients. Dry mouth can make this condition much worse as well.

Keep Your Mouth Clean

One of the best ways to maintain your dental health if you have diabetes is to be extra-diligent when it comes to your oral hygiene practices. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing your teeth at least once a night, and drinking water to help remove food particles and keep your mouth moist. You may want to consider brushing and flossing after every meal just to be on the safe side.

Be Mindful of Your Blood Sugar

Since a number of dental health problems are related to blood sugar levels, diabetic patients need to be mindful of their blood sugar levels. Be sure to monitor this through the day and to be mindful of your diet and medications as well. This is a key example of how your general health can affect your dental wellness.

Visit Your Dentist for Regular Checkups

Because of the above dental health concerns, it's off the utmost importance that patients visit their dentist twice a year for regular checkups. This is a sure way of getting minor dental health issues taken care of as soon as possible, preventing them from progressing to more serious health issues that are more difficult to treat.

Learn More About Advanced Dental Care Treatment

If you would like to learn more about your dental care options, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Jean Barthman and her team will work with your to ensure your smile is as healthy as possible.