Best Chicago, IL, Orthodontist Gives Advice For Diabetes and Dental Care

We all know that sugar and bad dental hygiene cause dental problems and tooth decay. But did you know that certain medical conditions can also increase your risk of dental problems? Diabetes is one such condition—people who have diabetes are more susceptible to germs in the mouth, putting them at higher risk for developing cavities or disease of the bones that hold the teeth in place. It’s possible to avoid these issues with some preventive measures and care, and the best Chicago, IL, orthodontist gives some advice on how to handle diabetes-related issues below.

What Does Diabetes Do?

Diabetes can cause an increase in blood sugar, which in turn can lead to dry mouth. Untreated dry mouth can make any existing dental or gum disease worse, and lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria. People with diabetes also have less blood flow to the mouth and gums, and a higher risk of gum and bone infection.

Symptoms of Dental Issues

Some common indicators of dental issues related to diabetes include:

• Bad breath
• Frequent infections
• Painful, bleeding gums
• Tooth pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our dentist immediately for an evaluation. It is important that you treat any infections as soon as possible, as diabetes can accelerate infections and make it very difficult to recover from them.

Prevention and Treatment

If you have diabetes, make every effort to keep your blood sugar under control to avoid diabetes-related dental complications. If you have dry mouth, try lozenges that encourage saliva production and stay hydrated. Avoid smoking, and as always, keep up a good oral hygiene regimen to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup.

Contact your doctor if you have any other concerns regarding your condition.

Call The Best Chicago, IL, Orthodontist Today To Schedule An Appointment!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to dentistry, feel free to contact Dente Complete Dentistry, with a convenient dental office in Chicago, IL, by calling 773.295.0562 or by clicking here.

References:

https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=42256