The Diabetic’s Survival Guide to Dental Oral Health
November 28, 2015
Because periodontal disease is a common complication of diabetes, diabetics should be particularly diligent about getting regular dental examinations. However, effective diabetes management and oral health are impossible to attain without self-management skills. Dental professionals are essential participants in a collaborative team care approach for diabetes management. Oral health care providers also may be able to identify people with undiagnosed diabetes by screening those at risk and referring them to their primary health care provider for diagnosis.
Other Oral Health Conditions Associated with Diabetes
Preventing and treating periodontal disease is important because gum disease negatively affects blood sugar control and increases the risk of diabetic complications. If your glycemic levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious periodontal disease and lose more teeth than non-diabetics. Because gum disease is a factor in causing blood sugar to rise, it makes diabetes harder to control. Other oral health problems for which diabetics are at risk include:
- Thrush
- Tooth loss
- Chronic dry mouth
- Cavities and abscesses
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Red, swollen, and tender gums
Diabetes and oral diseases share preventable risk factors related to lifestyle, including tobacco use and diet. Improving health outcomes by modifying these common behavior-related risk factors assists in the prevention, primary care, and ongoing management of diabetes.
Minimizing Oral Health Problems
Minimizing gum disease dangers means carefully managing your blood sugar balances. You must also take good care of your gums and teeth, including following through with regularly scheduled checkups every six months. Optimum glycemic control can also help prevent or relieve some oral health problems caused by diabetes.
Your Oral Health Care Team
Your periodontist plays a vital role in treating and controlling gum disease, maintaining sound oral function, promoting behaviors that control and prevent oral disease, and addressing common modifiable risk factors. For an expert periodontist in Sterling, VA specializing in gum disease dangers, contact Dr. Kharmouche at today 703-951-6756.