Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy can be especially difficult when you have diabetes. This disease can increase your likelihood of developing oral infections and make it harder for your body to recover. If you are a diabetic, you should learn as much as possible about how high blood sugar can affect your oral health and your dental care.
By controlling your blood sugar, maintaining good dental health habits, and working with your dentist, you can prevent problems before they develop.
Dr. David J. Weinstock is a highly skilled dental expert who can help you deal with any complications caused by diabetes to preserve and enhance your dental health. For the past ten years, he has been recognized as a Philadelphia Magazine Top Dentist.
How Can Diabetes Put You at Risk?
Your oral health is most at risk when your blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. Unmanaged diabetes can put you at a higher risk of risk of experiencing the following dental issues:
- Gum disease
- Oral Thrush
- Dry mouth
- Cavities
- Wounds taking a long time to heal or unable to heal
- Food tasting bland
- An increased amount of plaque
Caring for Your Mouth with Diabetes
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent problems from developing is taking control of your blood sugar levels. Your doctor should be able to help with this, but exercising daily, eating healthy and forming other healthy lifestyle habits are always good ways to start. Remember that even though it may be difficult, improving your health will be well worth the effort.
However, even when your diabetes is properly managed, problems such as gum disease and cavities can still occur if you don’t take care of your mouth. To ensure your teeth and mouth are clean, always make sure to brush at least twice daily and floss once daily. Finally, schedule at least two dental checkups every year and talk to Dr. Weinstock about your diabetes and how it can affect your mouth. He can be your partner in keeping your mouth healthy.