Dentists are well trained to work within a variety of circumstances and with a range of health, age, and safety considerations. One of the common health conditions that impacts a patient's oral health is diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects about 20 million people in the United States, and is characterized by a person's inability to produce sufficient insulin or process it properly. About a third of diabetes cases go undiagnosed, but with the help of a physician, it's typically manageable. Patients who are not able to manage diabetes can experience an increase risk of these oral health complications:
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, occurs at a higher rate in patients who have diabetes. This is often the result of elevated blood sugar levels and because diabetes can thicken blood vessels and reduce oxygen delivery to oral tissues and other areas of the body. The secret to reducing this risk if you have diabetes is controlling your blood sugar levels.
Salivary Gland Complications
According to a study in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, both type I and type II diabetics secrete less resting saliva, which can cause a whole host of problems in a person's mouth. In addition to not being able to counteract harmful acids and remove food particles as effectively, dry mouth an lead to salivary gland infections and enlargement.
Oral Infections
If a person with diabetes has poor control over their blood sugar, it can lead to a variety of infections, including some in the oral cavity. If you have diabetes, make sure to periodically check your tongue, cheeks, and gums for red or puffy tissue. Additionally, ask your dentist if your risk factors warrant a few more regular dental appointments to check for warning signs.
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Always inform your dentist of your health history so he or she can make sure you get the best dental care you deserve and address any important risk factors. If you enjoy our blog, please drop by and like our Facebook page to see when we publish new posts.