Diabetic Dental Care

Diabetic Dental Care

Immaculate mouth care is a must. 

Diabetics are much more prone to gum disease. 

More frequent dental visits may be needed and careful brushing and flossing are a necessity.

Avoid ill-fitting dentures that may cause mouth sores.

People with diabetes face a higher risk of:

• Dry mouth. Uncontrolled diabetes can decrease saliva flow, resulting in dry mouth. Dry mouth can further lead to soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay.
• Gum inflammation. 
• CVS: Besides impairing white blood cells, another complication of diabetes is that it causes blood vessels to thicken, which slows the flow of nutrients to and waste products from body tissues, including the mouth. Since periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, diabetics with uncontrolled disease may experience more frequent and more severe gum disease.
• Poor healing of tissues. People with uncontrolled diabetes do not heal quickly after oral surgery or other dental procedures because blood flow to the treatment site can be impaired.
• Thrush. People with diabetes who frequently take antibiotics to fight various infections are especially prone to developing a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue. The fungus thrives on the high levels of sugar in the saliva of people with uncontrolled diabetes.
• Burning mouth and/or tongue. This condition is caused by the presence of thrush.

People with diabetes who smoke are at even a higher risk -- up to 20 times more likely than nonsmokers -- for the development of thrush and periodontal disease.

Smoking also seems to impair blood flow to the gums -- which may affect wound healing in this tissue area.

Dental Care Tips

• Have your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist at-least twice a year. 
• Prevent plaque buildup on teeth by using dental floss at least once a day.
• Brush your teeth after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• If you wear dentures, remove them and clean them daily.
• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.