While people tend to avoid the dentist for far longer than they should, those who cope with diabetes don't have that luxury.
Their oral health is a precursor for potentially dangerous issues related to their condition.
Diabetics are more vulnerable to gum disease, tooth decay, dysfunction in the salivary glands, and other complications.
If untreated, some of these problems can cause a diabetic's blood glucose levels to plummet or spike, leading to life-threatening circumstances.
In this article, I'll explain the 3 factors that diabetics must consider before they find a dentist.
We'll take a close look at the impacts of periodontal disease, issues that influence blood glucose levels, and the importance of a dental team's expertise in treating those who have diabetes.
#1 - Susceptibility To Periodontal Disease Everyone is vulnerable to periodontal disease.
It starts with the buildup of plaque, which hardens into tartar.
Eventually, the gum line becomes exposed and infection sets in.
The bacteria in your mouth causes the infection to spread, leading to an advanced form of periodontal disease.
If you have diabetes, you're especially susceptible.
It's estimated that diabetics are more than twice as likely to deal with periodontal disease.
Their increased vulnerability is due in part to higher levels of sugar in the mouth, which invite even more bacteria.
This increase in bacteria can also be attributed to blood glucose (BG) levels that swing wildly.
Once an infection has taken hold in your gum line, it's harder to control your BG levels, leading to an ongoing struggle to avoid further infection.
When you're trying to find a dentist, it's important that you explain your condition, so they can help manage your increased risk of gum disease.
#2 - Issues Related To Blood Glucose Control The amount of sugar in your blood plays a key role in your overall health.
If you allow it to spike for long periods of time, it can result in serious medical issues that impact your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.
As noted above, there is a mutually influential relationship between periodontal disease and your blood glucose levels.
In essence, each exacerbates the other.
When you find a dentist, he needs to be aware of your diabetes in order to identify and treat periodontitis quickly.
There are other factors that can influence your BG levels.
For example, you may be taking medications that help you control them.
The problem is that these medications can interact harmfully with the materials used during certain dental procedures.
When you find a dentist who has experience in treating patients with diabetes, he'll know how to take the proper precautions.
#3 - Dental Team's Experience In Treating Diabetics The most important factor to consider when you're trying to find a dentist is the level of experience the team has in treating diabetics.
Good oral health and proper blood glucose management are inextricably linked.
Your increased susceptibility to periodontal disease, vulnerability to infections, and other issues that can lead to potential health complications require special attention.
Many dentists won't be prepared for the unique circumstances that your condition might pose.
Find a dentist who keeps updated medical records, maintains an inventory of diabetes related supplies, and can react quickly to potential emergencies.
Healthy With A Bright Smile Your health is ultimately in your hands.
While you should find a dentist who can quickly identify the signs of alarmingly low or high BG levels, the responsibility to communicate your needs to dentists rests upon your shoulders.
When you find a dentist, ask him whether he has expertise in treating patients with diabetes.
By being upfront about your condition, you can ensure that your dental team will take special care in protecting your health.