A diabetes diagnosis isn’t easy to hear. It comes with so many challenges, and it can be scary. One important thing to remember is that Phoenix AZ diabetes and teeth problems often come hand in hand. So it’s good to think of diabetes and tooth decay as a matched set. With good dental help, you can stay out in front of the problem. Here’s what experts recommend.
Diabetes and Tooth Decay Phoenix AZ: What’s the Connection?
The same diet that causes diabetes also encourages tooth decay. People who drink lots of soft drinks and eat sweets often are always in danger of more cavities. Even worse, diabetes can cause tooth loss due to gum disease. For those with dry mouth, this is a pressing problem.
Periodontal disease is more likely to occur in people with type 2 diabetes. Often it goes untreated. This gum problem leads to the unnecessary loss of teeth. This is why diabetics should be vigilant about dental visits.
Major Signs of Diabetes-Related Gum Disease
- Bad breath
- Sores on the gums
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bite change
- Tooth position change
- Bleeding gums
- Red or swollen gums
Gum Treatments Can Help Diabetic Patients
Did you know that gum disease treatments can actually help lower blood sugar? Over time, regular treatments have been shown to help type 2 diabetes patients. In fact, treating gum disease has been shown to decrease the risk of diabetes-related illnesses such as heart and kidney disease. This is just another reason to visit your dentist regularly for help, treatment, and advice.
Diabetes and Tooth Decay: What’s the Answer
If you are worried about diabetes, don’t forget to consult your Sky Dental professional. Our dentists can help you monitor your teeth and gums. We encourage you to call soon to protect your oral health.
Education is vital. Our staff can explain exactly how diabetes can affect your teeth. We can show you how to check your teeth for gum disease between dentist visits. We can discuss the effects of dry mouth and strategies to handle it. You can also get advice about how often you need to visit the dentist. Our goal will be to nip any problems in the bud. We want you to keep all of your teeth.
The good news is that treatments are effective. Today’s therapies for gum disease are more successful than ever. Fluoride rinses and regular teeth cleaning will help, too. Your dentist will discuss further treatment if and when it’s needed.
Obviously, you should continue to care for your teeth at home. Your dentist can advise you about ways to make the most of your daily routine. Patients should brush twice daily. This should be done with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. They should also floss at least once a day. The National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health, has many recommendations for diabetic patients.
As you work with the dentist for better teeth, make sure you are also working with your doctor to manage the big three: blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. It’s also vital to quit smoking or using tobacco products.
Bring your concerns about diabetes to us. The Sky Dental team will work with you for the best outcomes. Diabetes and tooth decay may go hand-in-hand, but there’s much we can do together to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.