What Dental Problems Do Diabetics Face?
Dr. Victor R. Siegel is one of the leading dentists in the Rockville area, offering comprehensive dental care services. General dentistry is the cornerstone of beautiful smiles and total wellness, which is why we pride ourselves in offering great preventative and general care.
A number of patients have diabetes, and as a result have a number of serious dental health concerns that need to be considered. Let's go over the basics right now.
Diabetics Face Many General Health and Dental Wellness Issues
If you are a diabetic, you must know well the various health challenges that you have to deal with on a daily basis. In addition to the general wellness issues, diabetics also have a number of dental health concerns that have to be taken seriously. This is why certain kinds of dental health problems are commonly associated with diabetes.
Diabetics and Increased Gum Disease Risk
If you are a diabetic, you face a heightened risk of infection. This means that gum disease is more likely. There are three different stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. If left untreated, gum disease can cause gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.
Diabetics and Higher Risk of Tooth Decay
Due to issues with blood sugar, diabetics also face an increased risk of tooth decay. The oral bacteria in the mouth thrives on carbs and sugars, and the presence of food particles on the teeth or in the mouth allows the oral bacteria to feast and do damage to the teeth.
Diabetics and Dry Mouth Issues
People who suffer from diabetes tend to experience issues with dry mouth syndrome. This can make speaking and eating more difficult and it can be quite annoying. More than that, however, dry mouth syndrome can also exacerbate and accelerate gum disease and tooth decay.
Diabetics and Oral Thrush
In addition to all of the above, diabetics need to be careful of a potential fungal infection known as thrush. This can affect the lips and mouth, and it can be especially bad due to dry mouth conditions. Irritation and an unsightly rash mean that you suffer from a case of thrush.
What Diabetic Patients Can Do to Maintain Good Dental Health
Patients with diabetes should take extra care when it comes to their general health and wellness, monitoring blood sugar and following the advice from their doctors.
As for dental health tips, diabetics should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a night to help keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. (Ideally they should brush and floss after every meal.) Staying hydrated with water throughout the day is also important for fighting tooth decay, gum disease, and thrush.
Ultimately, it's also important that diabetics discuss any of their dental health concerns in greater detail with their dentist. Regular dental checkups can do a lot to keep a mouth looking healthy and beautiful.
Learn More About General Dental Care
If you are a diabetic and would like to learn more about your various dental care needs, it's important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Victor R. Siegel and his entire team look forward to your visit and helping you achieve optimal dental health and wellness.
