Protecting the Teeth from the Damages of Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that prevents the body from properly regulating its production of insulin and its ability to process blood sugar. This disease can have a number of harmful effects on a person’s physical health. With properly regulated medication, most individuals can keep diabetes under control and reduce the risk of harmful side effects, including a number of oral health problems. In addition, quality dental care and general dentistry services to monitor and preserve oral health are especially beneficial to diabetic patients. At our dental practice, Drs. Charles A. Robertson and Nicholas Perry Orchard offer dental care for diabetics to our Corpus Christi, TX patients who suffer from this disease.
Diabetes and Dental Health
To get a better understanding of how important professional dental care is to patients who suffer from diabetes, patients first need to understand the link between diabetes and dental health. Diabetes has been known to increase the risk of a number of oral health problems, including the following:
- Tooth decay and infection (particularly in cases of uncontrolled diabetes)
- Inflammation of the gums, or gum disease
- Dry mouth (which in turn increases the risk of decay, infection, erosion, and mouth sores)
- Thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue (also particularly common in patients with uncontrolled diabetes)
Once any of these conditions develop, it further increases the risk of more complex and advanced oral health problems. Even an issue as minor as decay can eventually progress to something as serious as tooth loss. For this reason, it is vital for diabetic patients to take all the steps necessary to protect the health of the teeth and gums.
General Dentistry for Diabetics
In order to preserve good oral health, diabetic patients must constantly regulate blood sugar levels and use prescribed medication as directed in order to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. However, beyond that, these patients must also be especially vigilant about practicing good oral hygiene habits and maintaining professional dental care that includes routine general dentistry services. Regular dental exams and cleanings help diabetic patients to prevent the build up of harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar around the teeth and gums. These exams also allow our dentists to monitor the teeth and gums for any potential signs of trouble. Should an oral health problem develop, early treatment is especially important for diabetics, as it prevents the progression to more serious dental complications. Whereas most patients require a routine dental exam and cleaning once every six months, diabetic patients can benefit from more frequent exams.
Restorative Dental Care
Even with proper precaution, it is common for diabetic patients to develop some degree of decay, or other oral health problems such as infection or gum disease. Our dentists offer a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry treatments that can get these conditions under control and restore the strength and health of the teeth and gums.
Schedule an Appointment
If you suffer from diabetes, the dental services offered by Dr. Charles A. Robertson and Dr. Nicholas Perry Orchard can be vital to preserving a smile that is healthy and beautiful. To learn more about our comprehensive range of dental services, and how it benefits our diabetic patients, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.