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Diabetes and Dental Health

Live Life Smiling

Old Lady Smile
  • Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics
  • November 4, 2020

 

ORAL HEALTH AND DIABETES are closely intertwined. It becomes much harder to maintain good oral health without carefully controlling the diabetes, and diabetes becomes harder to control when oral health isn’t a priority. Gum disease is just one oral health problem that is harder to avoid with diabetes.

Blood Sugar and Oral Health

We hear all the time how bad sugar is for teeth. Harmful oral bacteria loves eating the leftover sugar in our mouths after we eat or drink something sweet, but it also loves the sugar in the bloodstream. In addition, high blood sugar is hard on the immune system, making it more difficult to fight back against that same bacteria and leaving diabetic patients particularly vulnerable to oral inflammation and tooth decay.

The Relationship Between Gum Disease and Diabetes

More than a fifth of diabetics, whether they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, have some form of gum disease, ranging from gingivitis (the early stages of inflammation) all the way to periodontitis (advanced gum disease), which threatens the teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Even overall health can be a victim of gum disease, if the bacteria causing it reaches the bloodstream.

Symptoms to watch out for include swollen, red, or bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, gum recession, and teeth feeling looser. Any of these can indicate poor gum health. Diabetes also increases the risk of developing other problems (which in turn increase the risk of gum disease) such as impaired healing ability, more frequent and severe infections, dry mouth, enlarged salivary glands, fungal infections, and burning mouth syndrome.

Keeping Diabetes Under Control

Diabetes can complicate a lot of things about daily life, but it is still possible to achieve and maintain good oral health with diabetes. Maintaining good daily oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily will definitely make a difference. So will keeping up with regular dental checkups, being careful with sugar intake, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking.

Diabetes and Orthodontic Treatment

Gum disease, whether a complication of diabetes or not, can present a challenge for orthodontic treatment. Any diabetics considering orthodontic treatment should take extra care to maintain control of their diabetes and oral health so that their treatment can go forward and they’ll be able to enjoy having a properly aligned smile.

The Importance of Dental Visits

Regular dental exams are especially essential for those with diabetes, because the early signs of dental problems aren’t always obvious and the sooner they’re caught, the easier they are to deal with. Your doctor can also work with your dentist in helping you to manage both your diabetes and your oral health, which is why it’s important to keep them both in the loop!

We’re here to help you fight for good oral health!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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Patient reviews

EVERY SMILE TELLS A SPECIAL STORY

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community with excellent care and take pride in our mission of having a patient-centered philosophy. Check out what our patients are saying about us!

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Shannon P.
Great service,very well mannered. fast and very clean. My daughter got spacers put in they got her back and done within 15 minutes
Shannon P.
Great service,very well mannered. fast and very clean. My daughter got spacers put in they got her back and done within 15 minutes
Caroline Z.
Holmes and Palmer is the epitome of professional and kindness. What can be a scary and uncomfortable experience for a kid is made fun and happy here. My oldest is in the final stages of braces, and it’s been a smooth process for us. He’s always excited to visit the office. My middle son visited for a consult and left excited for braces, and as a Mom, that’s all you can ask for.
Caroline Z.
Holmes and Palmer is the epitome of professional and kindness. What can be a scary and uncomfortable experience for a kid is made fun and happy here. My oldest is in the final stages of braces, and it’s been a smooth process for us. He’s always excited to visit the office. My middle son visited for a consult and left excited for braces, and as a Mom, that’s all you can ask for.
Jamie R.
Every experience has been a good experience. Their staff has always been exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the doctors provide the upmost knowledge, allowing the parents to make confident decisions regarding our child’s care.
Jamie R.
Every experience has been a good experience. Their staff has always been exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the doctors provide the upmost knowledge, allowing the parents to make confident decisions regarding our child’s care.
kristin W.
I will never go anywhere else for my children’s dental care! They never disappoint when it comes to professionalism and fun, no one in Huntington can compare. I would give them 10 stars out of 5 if I could.
kristin W.
I will never go anywhere else for my children’s dental care! They never disappoint when it comes to professionalism and fun, no one in Huntington can compare. I would give them 10 stars out of 5 if I could.
Christina S.
Very family friendly atmosphere! Fun office! Down to earth and kind staff! 10/10 recommend!
Christina S.
Very family friendly atmosphere! Fun office! Down to earth and kind staff! 10/10 recommend!
Kisha F.
Love the staff they are so kind and really good with my children! So kind and patient positive and polite! They answered all of our questions. My children love coming here!
Kisha F.
Love the staff they are so kind and really good with my children! So kind and patient positive and polite! They answered all of our questions. My children love coming here!
Christina A.
We love Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! They are Great! The atmosphere is amazing the staff is always kind and welcoming!
Christina A.
We love Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! They are Great! The atmosphere is amazing the staff is always kind and welcoming!
Cathy D.
Holmes and Palmer have been wonderful to deal with as we have entered this new world of braces. They have kept our daughter calm and comfortable, all while providing education to all of us brace beginners.
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