Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Did you know that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes affects more than 38 million adults in America? Are you one of them? If you have diabetes, you’re probably in regular contact with your doctor and taking steps to improve your overall health and manage your diabetes. But is your dentist part of your diabetic care plan? If not, he or she needs to be. Read on as your dentists in Scotts Valley explain how diabetes can be devastating to your oral health.
How are gum disease and diabetes linked?
Both are chronic ailments that relate to inflammation levels in the body. Diabetes causes inflammation throughout the body, making it more difficult for the affected individual to fight the bacterial infection that causes gum disease. And gum disease causes inflammation of the gums—while also leading to gums that are red, tender, and bleed easily.
If you are diabetic and have difficulty maintaining your blood glucose levels, you face a much higher risk of developing serious gum disease. The advanced stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis, attacks the supporting bone structure of your mouth and contributes to tooth loss. Likewise, any infection can raise the blood sugar levels in a diabetic, making it harder to manage your diabetes.
Are there any other oral health threats associated with diabetes?
Diabetics often encounter diminished saliva production due to dry mouth, a common side effect of several popular medications used to manage diabetes. When this happens, your mouth loses one of its natural and most effective means of defense against the build-up of the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Chronic dry mouth also can create sores and ulcers in the mouth.
Any type of oral surgery, such as an extraction or the placement of a dental implant, also is more risky for diabetics, who may heal more slowly because diabetes often leads to restricted blood flow in the mouth.
Prevention is your best defense
Diabetics should follow this regimen of oral care to minimize their risk of developing dental problems:
- Check your blood glucose levels often
- Maintain a thorough routine of oral hygiene: brushing twice per day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist at least every six months for a check-up
- Start using a medicated mouthwash, which will help kill any other bacteria that are missed when you brush and floss
- If you have dentures, be sure to remove and clean them each day
- Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet
- Get regular exercise
- Stop using tobacco
- Limit consumption of alcohol
Dental care for diabetics in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz and Los Gatos in California
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, our team of oral health professionals can help treat and prevent health risks that are associated with diabetes. This includes gum disease, as we have a comprehensive program of periodontal treatment that includes non-invasive treatment with Perio Protect. It is important to be extra vigilant about your oral care if you are diabetic. We can help provide tips on care and preventive treatments. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our office in Scotts Valley at (831) 438-4411.
