Ask a General Dentist: Diabetes and Your Oral Health

Patients with diabetes are often at a higher risk of oral health concerns, and subsequently, general dentists may recommend to patients with diabetes that they take more precautions when dealing with their oral health. This review discusses how a general dentist can help a patient with diabetes maintain quality oral health.

Advice from a general dentist about diabetes and oral health

The three primary components of oral health are a patient's at-home oral care routine, their diet, and how frequently they visit the general dentist for a check-up and treatment. It is important for patients with diabetes to understand how to take care of their oral health via all three components. 

How diabetes can affect oral health

General dentists encourage good oral hygiene in patients with diabetes to ensure that they keep their teeth, gums, and underlying jawbone healthy. Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of many oral health concerns, including:

• Gum disease
• Oral infection
• Bone loss
• Bad breath
• Tooth loss

Patients can prevent these issues from developing through good oral hygiene and visiting the general dentist regularly. 

The importance of regular visits with the general dentist

Regular check-ups and cleaning visits are also important for patients with diabetes. These allow the dentist to detect any concerns in the early stages and prevent the need for more extensive treatment. General dentists typically recommend a check-up visit once every four to six months. 

Caring for oral health at home with diabetes

The majority of oral care should take place at home by brushing and flossing regularly. Although mouthwash can be helpful, it is important to follow the general dentist’s instructions on how often to use it because too much mouthwash can lead to germ overkill or increase the risk of high blood sugar. Ideally, it is encouraged to brush several times a day and floss after each meal to reduce the risk of teeth or periodontal concerns. 

How to control oral health and diabetes with a good diet

Diet plays a large role in the overall status of oral health. A diet that contains too much sugar is not only risky to the general health of a patient with diabetes, but it can also significantly increase the likelihood of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Foods that are low in fat and contain a high level of calcium (e.g., dairy products) are ideal choices, along with drinking water throughout the day to wash away bacteria. 

Get in touch with our dental team today to schedule a visit

If you have diabetes and would like to put together a long-term oral care plan to reduce the risk of developing oral health concerns, then get in touch with our general dentist team today to schedule a convenient time to come in for a consultation. We help patients with diabetes maintain good oral health for the long term.

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.

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