Most of us know at least one person struggling with Diabetes, unfortunately. Some of you are living with it yourselves. The other day I was talking to my friend, a diabetic, and the subject of dental care and treatment came up. I realized I knew very little about dental care in regards to diabetes. So I did some research. The bulk of the information presented here today comes from WebMD, The Mayo Clinic, and The American Diabetes Association.

If you have diabetes, make sure you take very good care of your mouth. Diabetes puts a person more at risk for mouth infections, especially gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease can damage the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place and may lead to painful chewing problems. Some people with serious gum disease even lose their teeth. Gum disease may also make it hard to control your blood glucose (blood sugar). Dry mouth and a fungal infection called thrush are two other problems diabetes can cause. Dry mouth happens when you do not produce enough saliva, the fluid that keeps your mouth wet. Diabetes may also cause the glucose level in your saliva to increase. Together, these problems may lead to painful white patches in your mouth, which are caused by thrush.

By controlling your blood glucose, brushing and flossing every day, and visiting a dentist regularly, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and even prevent periodontal (gum) disease. Also, if your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth.

Here are a few helpful hints:

1. Control your blood glucose

2. Brush and floss daily

3. Visit your dentist regularly, I recommend Dental Depot, and be sure to tell them that you have diabetes

4. If you have dentures and are experiencing problems tell your dentist

5. Other than the dangers we all know about, smoking makes gum disease worse. Save yourself the trouble and just quit smoking.

Be sure to check your mouth regularly for any problems. If you find any bleeding, dryness, soreness, white patches, or an abnormal bad taste, see your dentist for further action.

For more information on the subject please check out these websites:

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dental-care-diabetes

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DA00013

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/

Diabetic or not, I hope all my friends out there take good care of themselves and their smiles. As we all know, “A Great Smile will Take You a Long Way!”

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Highland Village/Flower Mound and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!