How to Prevent Diabetes with the Help of a Good Dentist
According to the American Diabetes Association, 29.1 million Americans have diabetes as of 2012 - truly, a wake-up call for at-risk individuals. Diabetes remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, patients with diabetes can take several health-related measures toward maintaining their good quality of life, including regular visits to a reliable dentist.
Importance of Good Dental Healthcare
Diabetes is a multi-faceted disease that affects the body's various organs due to its inability to properly process glucose. Diabetics are at higher risks for dental problems, too, because the disease impairs the body's ability to fight harmful organisms, particularly bacteria in the mouth. With high blood sugar levels in the body, bacteria in the mouth can grow faster than normal.
This increases the risks for gum disease, which has the following symptoms:
Red, sore, swollen, even bleeding gums that appear to pull away from your teeth
Loose teeth
Irregular bite in your natural teeth or ill-fitting dentures
Chronic bad breath
Keep in mind that gum disease even in healthy individuals is a cause for concern because of the complications involved, such as recurrent gum abscesses, damage to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, and even acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis that can lead to gangrene of the cheeks and lips. These complications can be serious concerns in diabetics because of their compromised ability for normal healing, thus stressing the importance of regular visits to a reliable family dentist.
The bottom line: Effective dental healthcare is a must for diabetics, and effective diabetes management will contribute to good dental healthcare. High blood sugar levels will increase the risks for gum disease, oral infections, and dry mouth that, in turn, will make diabetes more challenging to manage. The link between diabetes and dentists should be one that patients are well aware of so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Measures to Maintain Good Dental Health
If you have diabetes, you should look into the benefits of root canal and teeth whitening procedures in the maintenance of good oral health, too. These are just two of several dental procedures designed to keep our pearly whites intact.
However, you must also be more vigilant about adopting the following measures in your daily oral health habits. Your dental care providers, such as the dentist Hanford residents recommend, will appreciate your dedication to keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Be on the lookout for the warning signs of gum disease, especially because the infections can move in faster than in non-diabetics. When brushing or flossing, you have to inspect your mouth for any signs of gum disease, including redness, bleeding, swelling, or pain.
Adopt good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth daily, preferably after every meal, and brush them right, which can ward off harmful bacteria build-up. Floss every day. Take care of your dentures, especially because ill-fitting and poorly-maintained dentures can increase the risks for sores, infections, and gum irritations. If necessary, change your dentures.
Of course, regular visits to a friendly, reliable and compassionate dentist Tulare residents highly recommend is must for diabetics in the area.
About the Author
Pediatric Dentistry is the author of this article on Dentist Hanford.
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Submitted on: 2015-08-12 20:39:35