How Often Should A Patient With Diabetes See A Dentist?

Dental professionals recommend that you should see a dentist at least twice yearly or every six months. However, if you are diabetic, you should see the dentist near you more often. This is because diabetes takes a great toll on your teeth and gums, and you need proper dental care.

Therefore, you need to visita dentist near you more frequently. Patients with diabetes should attend dental checkups and cleanings every three months or sooner. Your dentist will schedule dental treatments according to your oral health needs. The dental professional ensures that the disease does not adversely affect your oral health. Read on to learn about diabetic teeth care.

Do I Need To Tell The Dentist I’m Diabetic?

A dentist is usually one of the first people to detect the symptoms of diabetes through comprehensive oral exams. However, they may not be aware if you have not visited their office for some time or are a new patient. Therefore, you will need to inform them that you have diabetes or have your doctor contact them.

The dentist needs to be aware of your condition since diabetes patients’ teeth require special dental care. This is because diabetes causes high blood sugar levels increasing the risk of oral health problems. Diabetes contributes to tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, thrush, and dry mouth. These diseases require proper dental treatment from a dentist near you.

Do Diabetics Lose Their Teeth?

Having diabetes does not automatically mean that you will lose your teeth. Diabetics can lose their teeth if their blood glucose levels are uncontrolled or if they do not receive oral health care. This is because gum disease is prevalent among diabetics. The fluctuations in blood sugar levels cause plaque on their teeth resulting in cavities and gum infections.

Reversing or treating gum disease is not easy for diabetics due to their compromised immune systems. Therefore, the inflammation will progress quickly, leading to gum recession and oral tissue damage. The bone and gums supporting the teeth are eventually destroyed, and the teeth become loose and fall out.

Fortunately, it is possible to restore lost teeth even if you are diabetic. The dentist may replace the missing teeth with dentures or dental implants. However, dental implant procedures may not be recommended for all diabetes patients.

An ideal dental implant diabetic patient must have controlled blood sugar levels before, during, and after treatment. If the levels fluctuate too much, the procedure may fail. In addition, recovery after implant surgery is lengthy and uncontrolled diabetes may prolong it.

How do You Treat DiabetesPatient’s Teeth?

Diabetic patients should properly care for their teeth and gums at all times. Your efforts towards excellent dental care will ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. In addition, you should commit to managing your diabetes, so you do not develop dental problems. Dentists provide various recommendations for diabetics, which include:

1. Brush your teeth frequently to prevent plaque formation leading to decay and inflammation. Use an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth in the morning, before bed, and after snacks or meals.
2. Floss properly between your teeth and beneath the gum line to eliminate plaque and food debris.
3. Do not smoke or use tobacco products because they increase the risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss.
4. Reduce the frequency of consuming sugary or acidic foods and beverages. They contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Instead, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day.
5. Encourage communication between your doctor and dentist. This is essential in controlling the effects of diabetes on the mouth and body.
6. Take excellent care of your dental so that they do not harbor bacteria which will compromise your oral health.
7. Stay hydrated to control dry mouth conditions, which are common among diabetics. Lack of saliva or water will allow bacteria to thrive in the mouth resulting in dental problems.
8. Ensure you visit a highly qualified dentist who can identify the signs of undiagnosed diabetes. The specialist should also be able to offer excellent dental health care to avoid the complications of diabetes on teeth and gums.

Contact us at Summerland Dental Centre for a dental team trained and experienced to provide a full spectrum of dental care for diabetics.