Are You Diabetic? See Your Dentist

Saving Your Teeth Can Actually Save Your Life

If you watch TV's "The View," you may have seen host Whoopi Goldberg talking about her recent brush with dental disaster. Like many people, the actress and comedienne neglected her dental care - to the point where she wound up with a serious periodontal infection that will lead to the loss of some of her teeth and, left unchecked, might have damaged her overall health and even threatened her life. Goldberg pointed out a fact that dentists have known for years - that there is a strong connection between dental health and overall health.

This is especially important for people who suffer from diabetes, a condition that is becoming more and more common in the U.S. and around the world.

The problems controlling blood sugar caused by both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affect the mouth in various ways, including:

Dry Mouth - Increased blood sugar can lead to a decrease in saliva, causing dry mouth.

Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease - Diabetes reduces the body's ability to fight infections, so it's easier for the bacteria normally present in the mouth to overwhelm those defenses and for gum disease to take hold.

Slow Healing - Diabetes reduces blood flow, so it's more difficult for the mouth to heal after oral surgery.

Thrush - The high levels of sugar found in diabetic saliva - along with decreased resistance - can lead to this fungal infection in the mouth.

For these reasons and more, it's especially important for diabetics to see their dentists regularly. However, since diabetes is a specific condition that will affect dental health differently, it's absolutely essential that diabetic patients trust their dental heath to a dentist who understands Diabetic Dental Care.

Diabetic Dental Care is dental care that always takes the patient's diabetes into account. A Diabetic Dental Care dentist will often work with a patient's medical doctor to come up with a care plan that works for them. This means knowing what medications the patient is currently taking, being aware of the patient's blood sugar levels during treatments, and taking their condition into account when scheduling any oral surgery or other serious procedures.

In addition, a Diabetic Dental Care specialist will work with his or her diabetic patients to keep their mouths free of harmful bacteria, monitor their dental health and tackle any infections promptly, before they get out of control. This not only protects a patient's teeth, but their overall health as well.

With regular dental care performed by the right dentist, even diabetics can enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles for years to come. So if you suffer from diabetes, make sure you trust your dental health to a diabetic dental care specialist. You and your smile deserve it.

by: Thomas Streko

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