Diabetic Dental Care

To keep your mouth healthy, the general rule of thumb is to brush, floss, and schedule regular checkups to see your dentist. It is very important for people that are diabetic to maintain a healthy oral routine. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of oral health complications if there are no preventative treatments. When you have diabetes, the most high-risk dental problem that you will face will be gum disease. If you don’t keep your glucose level in check, you are prone to infection leading to poorly controlled blood sugar levels.

Diabetes can also cause dry mouth resulting from less saliva production, which increases your chance of cavities. The possibility of getting thrush is high, too. Thrush is a painful fungal infection that creates white or red patches inside your mouth.

Here are some warning signs of being aware of before you schedule an appointment with your dentist:

• Tooth pain
• Bleeding gums
• Gum sensitivity
• Gum detachment
• Painful, swollen gums
• Halitosis

However, some may not have any warning signs of gum disease. That is why it is essential to be safe and sure to see your dentist twice a year for checkups.

Here are some helpful questions to ask your dentist if you are unsure during your next appointment:

• How will diabetes affect my teeth and gums?
• What are the symptoms I should look out for?
• What can I do to prevent having a dry mouth?
• What medications can cause dry mouth?

Always practice good habits to ensure a healthy smile. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and remove to clean your dentures daily.