A recent survey of 2.5 million American adults revealed a surprise: Those with diabetes or prediabetes are least likely to visit the dentist!
Why not? It’s really a mystery, because the sugar-loving bacteria in your mouth put people with diabetes at an increased risk for gum disease. Those with poor blood sugar control get periodontal disease more frequently than others and they lose more teeth too.
And it goes both ways – gum disease can actually hamper blood sugar control and therefore speed the progression of diabetes.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Those with Diabetes
- Brush and floss after every meal.
- Keep up with your dental appointments for cleanings and exams. Ask us if you should have your teeth cleaned every 3 months instead of every 6 months.
- Plan your dental visits carefully around your meal and insulin times.
- Watch for any changes in your mouth including sensitivity, pain, sores or bleeding gums and report these to your dentist right away.
- Be alert for dry mouth which can lead to sores, infection, ulcers and tooth decay.
Put a Dentist on Your Diabetes Management Team
Manage your diabetes with the right support! Your health care team should include your primary care physician, registered dietician, an endocrinologist who specializes in treating diabetes, eye doctor, podiatrist and pharmacist.
Don’t forget to put your dentist on your diabetes support team! Please tell us if you have diabetes and therefore may need extra care. Regular dental visits help prevent periodontal disease and can also catch early signs of gum disease such as gingivitis.
Let Us Know If You Have Questions on Any Aspect of Oral Health Care
Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating and educating patients for over twenty-five years. Our office serves the New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury, and Sherman areas of CT and Pawling, Patterson and Putnam Lake of New York. You can call us at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.