If you are a diabetic, chances are you are vitally aware of the impact the disease can have on your organs. However, you may not be aware of the impact it can have on your oral health. This is one aspect of diabetes that many patients do not think about. The disease causes increased amounts of glucose in the saliva, attributing even more cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. You end up with the risk of more gum disease and tooth enamel loss, decay, and plaque if your diabetes is not managed properly.

What You Need To Know About Oral Care And Diabetes

As a diabetic, you will need to take additional precautions in order to maintain your oral health. There are many things you can do in order to avoid major dental work in the future brought on by your disease.

Have a clear relationship with your dentist—One thing you can do is be very clear with your dentist about your medical condition. You will need to disclose your diabetic status and be very clear about the medications you are taking as well. The dentist may have to create a specialized course of care based on your specific needs.

Also, you may need to have exams more often than the standard twice-yearly checkups. You may experience more frequent issues, such as mouth sores or plaque build up that will need regular attention. Doing this can help prevent a swift decline in your oral health.

You should be paying very close attention to your own symptoms with regard to your mouth and teeth. Do self-examinations on a regular basis to determine whether or not you need to be seen by a dentist. Look for loose teeth, swelling, damaged or chipped teeth, receding or excessively bleeding gums, or anything else that is out of the ordinary. Report these issues to your dentist immediately to ensure you stay on top of any potential problems.

As with any dental patient, you need to make sure you brush and floss daily. It is crucial that you are very diligent with your oral hygiene. With the increased amount of glucose in the saliva, you will need to ensure that your mouth is free from bacteria as much as possible.

Diabetes can have a significant impact on your overall health, but with proper dental care, you won't suffer from bad oral health. Always be sure to stay on schedule with appointments, report any issues, and take care of your teeth in order to keep your smile bright.

Click here for more information on how a dentist can help you maintain your oral health despite your diabetes.