The Best at Home Dental Care for Patients with Diabetes

If you have diabetes, high blood sugar levels can impact your entire body, including your teeth and gums. At Highlight Family Dentistry, we offer a “Diabetes Dentistry Program” to maintain your oral health, which, together with a home dental care regimen, can help safeguard your smile. Take charge of your oral health today!

Diabetes and Your Oral Health

Elevated blood sugar levels provide cavity-causing bacteria with a plentiful supply of sugars and starches, resulting in a sticky film called plaque developing on the teeth. The acids in the plaque attack and weaken the tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Plaque accumulation also increases the risk of periodontal or gum disease. In fact, studies show diabetes has a direct effect on periodontitis and vice versa. The higher the blood sugar levels, the higher the risk of periodontal disease. Likewise, periodontal disease raises the risk of diabetes-related dental problems because of its impact on a patient’s ability to maintain optimal blood sugar levels.

Other oral health problems diabetes can cause include dry mouth and a fungal infection known as thrush. Dry mouth can lead to infections, ulcers, tooth decay, and bad breath. Thrush, on the other hand, can leave painful white patches in the mouth.

Dental Care for Patients with Diabetes

The following are ways to safeguard your smile:

• Manage Your Diabetes: Monitor your blood sugar levels, maintain the recommended diet, and follow your doctor’s recommendations to keep your blood sugar levels under control. The more your blood sugar levels stay within the target range, the lower the risk of oral health complications.
• Maintain Meticulous Oral Hygiene Care: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to lower your risk of cavities and gum disease. Make sure to brush and floss gently, so you don’t irritate your gums.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking elevates the risk of diabetes-related oral health complications, including gum disease and early tooth loss. If you smoke, you may want to speak to your doctor about smoking cessation options.
• Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Make sure you visit Highlight Family Dentistry for our unique “Diabetes Dentistry Program.” If you notice gum redness or any other oral health concern, contact our office for an immediate appointment.

Highlight Family Dentistry’s Diabetes Dentistry Program

We’ll start by evaluating your most recent blood work/HbA1c levels. We ask you to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels during your Diabetes Dentistry Program and adhere to your diet modification program. Depending on your HbA1c levels, we may recommend supplements for blood sugar control.

The first step in your Diabetes Dentistry Program is a comprehensive dental exam, including a thorough evaluation of your gums and every aspect of your oral health. We may recommend a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing if necessary.

You will return to our office for periodontal maintenance visits every three months. We will professionally clean your teeth, evaluate your gum health, and measure the depth of the periodontal pockets between your gums and teeth. Our team will maintain regular contact with you between visits. Our diabetes care goal is to lower your HbA1c levels within the first six months and stabilize your gum health within the first year.

Diabetes Dentistry Program Near Me

Contact Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto, TX, to learn more about our Diabetes Dentistry Program. Our team will work with you to combat the effects of diabetes on your oral health for long-term healthy smiles. We look forward to caring for all your dental needs. Call us at (512) 886-2644 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!