Your Dental Health and Diabetes: What to Know

Posted on: 13 August 2021

Taking good care of yourself after a diabetes diagnosis is important. Don't forget, though, to visit your dentist after that diagnosis to find out what you can do to ensure the health of your teeth. Diabetes can affect nearly every one of your body systems and your oral health is one of them. Read on to find out what you need to know about a diabetes diagnosis and your dental health.

It's All About the Gums

When it comes to dental health, it's all about your gums. Almost all dental issues serious enough to affect your general health are rooted in gum problems. If your gums are not healthy, your gums won't retain your teeth. But things get worse when it comes to gums because gum diseases like periodontitis can also cause a breakdown in the bones that support your jaws and teeth. Be on the alert for the signs of gum disease like pain, abscesses, cavities, swollen gums, and feeling unwell in general. Gum infections can be serious and can travel to other parts of your body. See your dentist and get started on a course of antibiotics to prevent things from getting worse.

Diabetes and Gum Health

If you have diabetes, you may also suffer from a dry mouth or xerostomia. This condition is more than just uncomfortable, however. Saliva helps keep your mouth naturally moisturized and rinsed at all times of harmful bacteria and food particles. A decrease in saliva could increase your chances of cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath. Also, some medications prescribed to control your diabetes could dry out your mouth even further. If you do suffer from periodontal diseases, it may affect your blood glucose readings. Getting proper control over your periodontal issues is key to maintaining safe levels.

What To Do

  1. Speak to your dentist and let them know about your diabetes. You might need more frequent checkups.
  2. Maintain a good diet to control your diabetes. Less sugar and carbohydrates and more fresh fruit and vegetables are the way to go.
  3. Ask your dentist about moisturizing drops and rinses to help regulate your mouth moisture levels.
  4. Never go to bed without brushing and flossing. Bacteria can grow and thrive while you are sleeping.

Make an appointment with a local dentist's office and, talk to your dentist about other ways to keep your mouth healthy and avoid the way diabetes can affect your mouth. 

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Providing Children With Dental Knowledge

When my three children were young, they were all excited to go to the dentist. The dentist's office was great fun with a large fish tank and a variety of puzzle toys in the waiting room. I liked the pediatric dental office so much that I jumped at the chance when I was offered a receptionist job. Many of the children who came to see the dentist were not nearly as happy as my children. Most kids were scared and anxious, and I learned fairly quickly that the children were worried because they had no idea what to expect. The dentist at the office provided me with a set of dental tools that I could show to the children. I explained how each of the devices worked. This eased the fears, and I started this blog so parents could share dental information with their children before dental visits.

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