Healthy Living with Diabetes. For Special Patients. Dental Problems. People with diabetes are at high risk Once infection starts, diabetes slows healing. …
Healthy Living with Diabetes
For Special Patients
Dental Problems
People with diabetes are at high risk for problems with gums and teeth One of these problems is gingivitis or inflamed gums Another is periodontitis Periodontitis is caused by bacteria which shink gums and destroy bones and ligaments which hold teeth in place
Infections and Tooth Loss
Any infection in the mouth can cause your blood sugar to rise Once infection starts, diabetes slows healing Having infections of the gums for a long time can lead to tooth loss
Causes of Dental Problems for Diabetics
increased dental plaque Dental plaque is a film that sticks to teeth Plaque contains millions of bacteria Some of the bacteria can cause dental disease High blood sugar helps bacteria grow poor circulation to teeth and gums Blood vessels get thick and stiff The flow of oxygen and nutrients and waste removal may be slowed This increases the chance of infection Poor blood circulation makes infection harder to treat poor ability to fight infections White blood cells fight infection High blood sugar slows the work of white blood cells When your blood sugar is high, infections can spread and may be hard to treat poor
eating habits
Tell your doctor and dentist if you have:
red and swollen gums around one or more teeth gums that bleed when brushing teeth loose teeth bad breath that lasts longer than a few days dentures that do not fit well
Often there are no signs of dental disease until the problem is serious
To reduce the risk of dental disease:
keep blood sugar under control brush teeth after each meal and snack if you wear false teeth dentures keep them clean floss teeth at least once a day to remove bacteria between teeth see your dentist if you have red, sore or bleeding gums; gums that are pulling away from teeth; a sore that could be infected; or soreness from your dentures see the dentist every six months Be sure to tell the dentist you are a diabetic Have teeth cleaned and plaque removed by dentist and dental hygienist
Diabetes Education and Research Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 215-829-3426
Dental Problems
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Planning for your visit to the dentist
If you take insulin or oral diabetes pills that could cause a low blood sugar, ask your dentist how long your visit will take Ask the dentist if you should take your insulin or pills before coming to the visit
or if you should bring them with you to be taken later If your mouth is sore after dental work, you may not be able to eat your regular diet for a few days Ask your dentist or doctor: - what you should eat and drink - if you should change your diabetes medication schedule - how often you should check your blood sugar
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