How Diabetes Can Affect Your Teeth and What You Can Do
By: Dr. Amy See
At my Rolesville dental office, one of the first things we do when we meet a new patient is to go over their complete health history. What are we looking for? Things like diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Why is this important? Because they can sometimes cause specific symptoms that affect not just your overall health, but your oral health too. Diabetes, in particular, can lead to an increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease. Here are some frequently asked questions we get about diabetes and how it affects our oral health.
“What Should I Share With My Dentist About My Diabetes?”
It’s important for your dentist to get to know their patients in order to better understand how we can help your smile be healthy and last a lifetime.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to share the following information with your dentist:
Any changes in your prescriptions or health
The results of some of your diabetes blood tests (the A1C or fasting blood glucose)
If you need antibiotics before and after your dental treatment for uncontrolled diabetes
“How Does My Blood Sugar Affect My Oral Health?”
We understand that maintaining your blood glucose levels isn’t always easy. But did you know that keeping these numbers stable also helps your oral health too? This is because it helps reduce your risk of losing teeth, gum disease, and other problems. Your dentist will know that the presence of gum disease may play a role in the rise of your blood sugar, which makes diabetes even more difficult to regulate.
“Is Brushing and Flossing Different With Diabetes?”
The short answer is, there is no difference. Whether or not you’re living with diabetes, it’s important to keep up with your regular brushing and flossing routine at home. It’s always important to brush twice daily and floss once — no matter what illness you may or may not have. I advise using a toothpaste with fluoride for added decay defense and brushing in the morning and at night. Your toothbrush should also have soft bristles and you should use soft circular motions when you brush y our teeth.
“What About Diabetes and My Diet?”
Since patients living with diabetes are restricted from consuming sugary foods, this is extremely helpful for your teeth. Always be sure to work with your doctor to find the right kind of dietary plan to suit your needs. But we always recommend having plenty of veggies, fruits, and whole grains as a part of your diet.
If you have any questions regarding your teeth and diabetes, we are always available to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to call us at (919) 562-8200 with any concerns you may have about how diabetes can affect your oral health. Call us right away if you ever notice any sudden negative changes in your mouth or teeth.