State of the Art Dental Care
Diabetes and Oral Health
Diabetes and oral health*
Diabetes affects millions of Americans each year. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may know that the disease can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys and heart, as well as other parts of your body. Diabetes can lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process. The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:
- tooth decay;
- periodontal (gum) disease;
- salivary gland dysfunction;
- fungal infections;
- lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin
disease); - infection and delayed healing;
- taste impairment.
It’s important to keep your medical records up to date.
Let your dentist know the following:
- if you have been diagnosed with diabetes;
- if the disease is under control;
- if there has been any other change in your medical history;
- the names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs
you are taking.
DIET AND TOOTH DECAY
When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels
in saliva may help bacteria thrive. Brushing twice a day
with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning once a day between
your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner helps remove
decay-causing plaque.
Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden (calcify)
into calculus, or tartar. When tartar collects above the
gumline, it becomes more difficult to thoroughly brush and
clean between teeth. This can create conditions that lead to
chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth.
Because diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection,
the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected.
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that
hold your teeth in place.
Periodontal disease often is linked to the control of diabetes.
For example, patients with inadequate blood sugar
control appear to develop periodontal disease more often and
more severely, and they lose more teeth than do people who
have good control of their diabetes.
See your dentist immediately if you notice any of the
following:
- gums that bleed easily;
- red, swollen or tender gums;
- gums that have pulled away from the teeth;
- pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are
pressed; - persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth;
- permanent teeth that are loose or separating;
- any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite;
- any change in the fit of partial dentures.
FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Bacteria, viruses and fungi occur naturally in the mouth. The
body’s natural defenses and regular oral hygiene generally
keep them in check. However, under some situations, they
may proliferate and impede or defeat the body’s defenses.
Oral candidiasis, a fungal infection in the mouth, appears
to occur more frequently among people with diabetes
including those who wear dentures. If you smoke, have high
blood glucose levels or often are required to take antibiotics,
you are more likely to have a problem with fungal infections in
your mouth.
Diminished salivary flow and an increase in salivary glucose
levels create an attractive environment for fungal infections
such as thrush. Thrush produces white (or sometimes
red) patches in the mouth that may be sore or may become
ulcers. It may attack the tongue, causing a painful, burning
sensation. It also can cause difficulty in swallowing and compromise
your ability to taste.
Your dentist may prescribe antifungal medications to treat
this condition. Good oral hygiene is critical.
CARING FOR YOUR TEETH
Preventive oral health care, including professional cleanings
at the dental office, is important if you are to control the progression
of periodontal disease and other oral health problems.
Regular dental checkups and periodontal screenings are
important for evaluating overall dental health and for treating
dental problems in their initial stages. Your dentist may recommend
more frequent evaluations and preventive procedures,
such as teeth cleaning, to maintain good oral health.
Choose oral care products that display the American
Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, an important symbol
of a dental product’s safety and effectiveness when the products
are used as directed.
In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing or using an
interdental cleaner once a day, your dentist may suggest using
an antimicrobial mouthrinse or toothpaste to control
gingivitis.
Watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact
the dental office immediately when a problem arises. Practice
good oral hygiene at home, follow your physician’s instructions
regarding diet and medications, and schedule regular dental
checkups to maintain a healthy smile.
*Above cited from the American Dental Association
How Can I Get Started?
You can make an appointment for a no charge consultation.
Make an appointment call CALL NOW
(815) 459-2202
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
Located at 280 B Memorial Court Crystal Lake Illinois 60014
OR
Dr. Neal at Crystal Lake Dental Associates provides general dental and periodontal services for patients in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Cary, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, McHenry, McHenry county and surrounding areas.