Diabetes And Your Oral Health

Diabetes And Your Oral Health

Why Regular Dental Check-Ups Are Essential

Did you know that diabetes and your oral health are intricately linked? According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues than those without diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels can impact your immune system’s ability to fight off infection, leaving your gums vulnerable to harmful bacteria. If you have diabetes, it’s important to prioritize your dental health and schedule regular check-ups with a dentist as a preventative to severe complications down the line.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue and bones that support your teeth. High blood sugar levels can cause inflammation and weaken your body’s natural defense against harmful bacteria. Over time, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious oral health problems. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain a consistent dental care routine and schedule regular cleanings with a dentist to catch any signs of gum disease early.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common side effect of diabetes medications and can also be caused by high blood sugar levels. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it can cause bacteria to build up and increase your risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary and acidic foods can help prevent dry mouth. It’s also important to talk to your dentist about potential treatments to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

Slower Healing Time

People with diabetes tend to heal slower than those without the condition, which can complicate dental procedures like extractions or gum disease treatment. It’s important to discuss any diabetes-specific concerns with your dentist before undergoing any procedures to ensure that you are receiving the safest and most effective treatment possible.

Keeping Blood Sugar Levels in Check

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is key to preventing diabetes-related oral health issues. Poor blood sugar control can lead to increased periods of inflammation and a weakened immune system, both of which can compromise your oral health. Work with your healthcare team to develop a diabetes management plan that works best for you and prioritize dental check-ups as part of your overall diabetes care routine.

Prevention Through Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups with a professional dentist in Colorado Springs, Colorado are crucial for preventing diabetes-related oral health issues. Not only can a dentist catch and treat gum disease early, but they can also provide personalized recommendations for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Regular cleanings can remove plaque and bacteria and help prevent tooth decay, while fluoride treatments can strengthen your teeth and prevent future decay.

If you have diabetes, regular dental check-ups are a vital part of your overall health and wellness routine. By maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, prioritizing dental care and hygiene, and scheduling regular visits, you can prevent severe oral health complications and enjoy a healthier, happier smile. Contact us today to book your dental appointment with Kissing Camels Family Dentistry to protect your oral health and overall well-being.

How Can I Keep My Smile Healthy?

how can i keep my smile healthy - Dr. Boals

How Can I Keep My Smile Healthy?

The COVID-19 coronavirus crisis has led to many dentists closing their doors for regular appointments, and only accepting patients with dental emergencies. While this will help slow the spread of the virus, it has a lot of people wondering “How can I keep my smile healthy when I can’t see the dentist?“. 

In this blog from Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we’ll discuss a few things you should do to keep your mouth healthy, even if you can’t see your dentist for a six-month visit and oral exam. Let’s get started.

1. Ensure Your Dental Hygiene Routine Is In Tip-Top Shape

First and foremost, make sure that you’re maintaining a great oral hygiene routine. You should be brushing at least twice per day for at least two minutes. In fact, you may want to consider brushing three times per day says our friend and dentist in Bethlehem GA, Dr. Hoang. 

If you brush three times per day, once after breakfast, once after lunch, and once before you go to bed, you’ll remove the most bacteria and food debris that you can, and you’ll boost your defense against gum disease and cavities.

Don’t forget about flossing, either. Brushing alone is not enough to clean every surface of your teeth. Flossing once per day will remove food, bacteria, and plaque that may be left behind with brushing alone. 

2. Watch Your Diet And What You Eat 

As a rule, you’ll want to avoid starchy and sugary foods, as well as beverages that are high in sugar like juice, sweetened tea, cocktails, and soda. The bacteria in our mouths thrive on starch and sugar. Eating a diet that consists mostly of lean meat, fresh vegetables, and fruits that are high in fiber, and whole grains can help keep your teeth healthy. 

In fact, some foods can damage your teeth directly. Chewing almonds, ice, and other hard foods with your front teeth could cause them to crack or chip, so you should make sure you chew these kinds of foods with your molars.

You should also avoid gummy and sticky foods (caramel, taffy, gummy candy, etc.) if you have multiple crowns or fillings. Sticky, sugary foods promote tooth decay, and can even pull out your dental work if it’s loose.

3. Avoid Doing Things That Could Damage Your Teeth  

Doing things like chewing pens or pencils or even your fingernails can wear down your teeth prematurely, or even cause them to crack or break. Make sure you only use your teeth to chew food, and not anything else.

That also means you shouldn’t use your teeth as tools to do things like tear open packages or rip tape. They’re not meant to do these things, and could be damaged if you’re not careful. 

Know How To Keep Your Smile Healthy, Even When You Can’t See The Dentist

We hope this guide from Kissing Camels Family Dentistry has helped you learn more about how you can keep your smile healthy, even if you’re not able to see your dentist. Thanks for reading, and stay safe. And when the lockdown is lifted, make sure that you contact us at (719) 301-6604 to schedule your next preventive dentistry appointment in Garden of the Gods, West Colorado Springs, and Manitou Springs. “