What You Need to Know About Diabetes and Oral Health

Taking care of your oral health is of utmost importance, especially if you have diabetes, which is shown to increase the risk of oral infections. That’s why Highlight Dentistry offers a comprehensive Diabetes Dentistry Program designed to prevent diabetes-related complications. You can always count on our outstanding team for care and services that exceed your expectations!

What Is Diabetes and What Are Its Symptoms?

Diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the body’s ability to process sugar. Type I diabetes is characterized by the body not making enough insulin, the hormone that carries sugar from your blood to the cells where it is used for energy. Type II diabetes, on the other hand, involves the body stopping to respond to insulin. Both types of diabetes cause blood sugar level spikes, leading to a host of oral and overall health complications. 

Diabetes and Your Oral Health

Patients with diabetes often produce less saliva, a condition known as dry mouth, which increases the risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. Moreover, people with diabetes may experience an altered sense of taste, bad breath, thrush, and more. They are also susceptible to oral infections and may develop periodontal (gum) disease, characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums. 

Studies show a direct link between periodontal disease and diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, the higher the blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes, the higher the risk of developing periodontitis. Moreover, periodontal disease raises the risk of diabetes-related complications because it impacts the body’s ability to maintain optimal blood sugar levels. 

Highlight Family Dentistry’s Diabetes Dentistry Program

Make sure to bring in your most recent blood work/HbA1c levels when you come in for your appointment. We encourage you to constantly monitor your blood sugar levels and adhere to your outlined diet modifications. We may recommend a supplement to control your sugar levels, depending on your level of HbA1c.

The first step in our Diabetes Dentistry Program is a comprehensive dental examination, which will include a thorough evaluation of your gum health. If you have developed periodontal disease, we will conduct a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Most of our patients with diabetes require follow-up periodontal maintenance appointments every three months. Your visits will include professional dental cleanings, thorough gum evaluations, and measurements of gum recession and dental pockets.

Our Diabetes Dentistry Program is fully customized depending on your unique needs. The ultimate goal is to lower your HbA1c levels within the first six months of treatment and stabilize your periodontitis, if present, within the first year.

Promoting Long-Term Healthy Smiles

Patients with diabetes who control their insulin levels and receive proper dental care have a much better chance of preventing infections and maintaining healthy smiles. We encourage our valued patients to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food debris from between their teeth. Don’t forget to visit Highlight Family Dentistry for your routine dental care to allow us to monitor your oral health and address any oral health conditions as they develop. 

Diabetes Dentistry Program Near Me

Visit Highlight Family Dentistry in Hutto, TX, to learn more about our state-of-the-art Diabetes Dentistry Program. Our team is all about preventing oral health complications for long-term healthy smiles. Call us at (512) 886-2644 and schedule your appointment today!