The Importance of Dental Care With Diabetes
Its is a disease that can affect the whole body, including your teeth. Regular dental check up is particularly important for people with Diabetis because they face a higher risk of dental problems due to poorly controlled blood glucose levels.The less well controlled the blood glucose, the more likely dental or oral problems will arise. This is because uncontrolled diabetes impairs white blood cells, which are the body's main defense against bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth.
What Dental Problems Are People With Diabetes
Perhaps diabetis is one such disease that affects the overall health and teeth are no exception to its effects.The relationship between diabetis and dental health is well established.Lets pertain our discussion to diabetis and dental health.No matter how well a diabetic patient takes care of his or her teeth they are at a greater risk to develop dental problems.Higher the risk greater the need to take care of teeth and overall health.
Diabetic patients are at greater risk for developing periodontal disease.In this the tissues supporting the teeth are damaged.If this goes unchecked tooth loss may occur.
Below are few aspects one should consider:
- Keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
- At each dental care visit, tell your dentist about the status of your diabetes.If you've had a hypoglycemic episode in the past (reduced blood sugar levels), you are at increased risk to have another one. Tell your dentist when your last episode was, how frequently such episodes occur, and when you took your last insulin dose,if you take it.
- See your diabetologist or a physician before scheduling treatment for periodontal disease. Ask your doctor to talk to your dentist or periodontist about your overall medical condition before any dental treatment is performed. If oral surgery is planned, your doctor or dentist will tell you if you need to take any pre surgical medications or need to change your meal schedule.
- Make sure to give your dentist your diabetes doctor's name and phone number to include on your personal file. This information will then be readily accessible by your dentist should any questions or concerns arise.
- Bring your dentist a list of all the names and dosages of all you are on. Your dentist will need to know this information to prescribe medications least likely to interfere with the medications you are already taking if medications are needed. If a major infection is being treated, your insulin dose -- for those taking insulin -- may need to be adjusted. Check with your doctor.
- Keep in mind that healing may take longer in people with diabetes. Follow your dentist's post-treatment instructions closely.
Day-to-Day Dental Health Care Tips for diabetic patients.
- Have your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist twice a year. (Your dentist may recommend a closer interval depending upon your condition.)
- Prevent plaque buildup on tooth surfaces by using dental floss at least once a day.
- Brush your teeth after every meal. The best time is at least 30 minutes after eating to allow re-mineralization of any enamel that had been softened by acid in the food. Use a soft-bristled tooth brush to brush your teeth.
- If you wear dentures, remove them and clean them daily. .
- If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
Antibacterial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.
As a rule before tooth extraction it is compulsary in a known diabetic patient to get his or her blood glucose levels checked.Another protocol that needs to be followed is that an antibiotic coverage 5 days prior to tooth extraction.
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