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Diabetes and Dental Health Connection

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Diabetes and common oral health problems

The most common oral health problems affecting people with diabetes are:

  • Periodontal (gum) disease
  • Gum abscesses
  • Poor healing of oral wounds
  • Tooth decay
  • Fungal infections, such as thrush (also known as candidiasis)
  • Lichen planus (an inflammatory, autoimmune skin condition)
  • Mouth ulcers
  • taste disturbances
  • A dry, burning mouth due to low saliva levels.

Keep Your Mouth Healthy and Happy

Treating gum disease may be able to help lower your blood sugar over time.

Regular dental visits are important to prevent problems. Follow your diabetes care schedule. Keep regular dental visits for professional cleanings, X-rays, and check-ups. Ask your dentist how often you should have your teeth checked.

Here are a few more important tips:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss your teeth at least once a day. Use a water flosser and mouthwash.
  • Tell your dentist if you have diabetes.
  • If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed easily, see your dentist. These may be signs of gum disease. Other signs include dry mouth, loose teeth, or mouth pain.
  • Quit Smoking; as smoking increases your risk of gum disease and can worsen your diabetes.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice about diet and medication to keep your blood glucose levels as close to the target levels as possible.
  • Avoid having a dry mouth – drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.

Keep that smile on your face, though! By managing your diabetes, you manage not only your blood sugar but also help to prevent gum disease and other infections in your mouth.

 

DO MY FILLINGS NEED REPLACEMENT?

Fillings don’t last forever. Sometimes they need replacement due to regular wear and tear. While fillings protect your teeth from damage and decay, you will lose that protection when your filling wears down or falls out and without that protective layer, your tooth will be exposed to harmful bacteria and decay. So it’s important to recognize the signs that your tooth filling needs replacement to prevent further dental problems down the road.

Why Does My Filling Need to Be Replaced?

There are several reasons why your filling may need to be replaced over time. Most often, it is the result of daily wear and tears. As you chew, your filling is placed under a great deal of pressure. Over time, it can cause it to crack, leak, or fall out. If your filling no longer protects your tooth as it should, it can cause bacteria and tiny food particles to become trapped underneath it. You’ll need to have the filling replaced to prevent new decay.

What Affects The Longevity of My Fillings?

Outside of the initial how well your filling was placed by the dentist is one of the most significant determining factors. Secondly, good home care is critical as bacteria that sit on your tooth can lead to cavities forming near the filling edge.

Following these simple at-home routines can help keep your fillings doing their job for the long haul:

  • Brush twice a day.
  • Floss once a day.
  • Use an electric toothbrush for the best plaque removal.
  • Fluoride mouthwash rinse.

Signs that your tooth filling needs replacement:

  • Staining around your filling’s margins.
  • Open space between the filling margin and your tooth.
  • Food Lodgement in your filling.
  • Sensitivity – this could be too hot, cold, or biting pressure.
  • X-rays can also be a way to tell if your filling is leaking.
  • Cracks or fracture lines in your fillings.

When Doubt visit your Dentist

While having an old filling replaced may sound dreadful to you, it’s a simple, one-appointment process. You will likely be numbed in this area, so you are comfortable when the dentist removes your broken-down filling. Once the filling has been removed, the tooth is prepared to receive the new filling. Your dentist places your new filling, adjusts the height to ensure your bite is correct, and away you go!

Have you noticed any of the above signs in your teeth? Has it been a while since you have seen a dentist? Remember that most big problems start as minor ones pushed off for too long. Now is a great time to have your dental health evaluated. Visit Teeth Care Centre.feature-image_hu06803c77b1151109541c75d14266dc7d_4131186_1200x1200_fill_q100_box_smart1