Dentistry for Diabetics

People with diabetes should pay special attention to their oral hygiene because they are more prone to gum disease, which in turn, can lead to tooth loss and bite problems. This higher susceptibility to periodontal disease results from a greater tendency among diabetics to develop infections while requiring a longer time to heal. In fact, clinical studies confirm that treatment of gum disease reduces oral inflammation (see left photo below), which removes the factor that triggers the body’s inflammatory response to helping your diabetic condition.

Research has shown that the relationship between diabetes and gum disease goes in both ways. Diabetes increases the risk of contracting the gum disease. Consequently, if left untreated, a diabetic condition could exacerbate gum disease and progress to abnormally high occurrences of heart attacks and strokes. But gum disease, in turn, also makes it more difficult to control the rate of blood sugar if you have diabetes. As a result, a diabetic condition can worsen when gum disease is not treated.

At Smiles by Design, Dr. Sajoo specializes in dental treatments that fight gum infections. In addition, treatments are available to deal with the excessively dry mouth conditions of patients suffering from diabetes. i.e., If you are diabetic, the increase of sugar in your saliva leads to a decrease in the quantity of saliva in your mouth. Since saliva contributes to natural cleaning of teeth, its absence can lead to a burning mouth sensation, greater plaque build up, and bacterial infections. As these infections grow around the gums, they can eventually reach the bone supporting the teeth. This, in turn, can lead to tooth movement and even tooth loss.

Without regular check-ups, these problems can go undetected. Periodontal disease, in particular, can reach an advanced level without necessarily feeling any kind of pain, and without your gums bleeding. That is why Dr. Sajoo recommends regular dental checkups, preferably every three months, to detect any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. Call 954 563-0606 for a complimentary dental diabetic exam, x-rays and consultation. The best news is that this is something that doesn't require another pill, an insulin shot or a special diet.