Fairless Hills Dentist Specializing in Diabetic Care

Common Dental Complications of Diabetes

Your Local Fairless Hills Dentist serving Langhorne, Newtown, Levittown & Surrounding Neighborhoods

Those who suffer from diabetes are well known to be at a higher risk of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This is particularly true for those who need a local Fairless Hills diabetic care dentist and that are unable to exert proper control over their condition. Some of the common complications in dental patients with diabetes include:

Biological Reactions

Diabetes dentists have proven that people with poorly controlled diabetes react in a different manner to bacteria and plaque buildup, putting their oral health at risk. In addition, those dealing with an uncontrolled condition will develop cytokines, harmful proteins in the gum tissue that lead to inflammation of the gingival tissue. Finally, diabetes can lead to reduced levels of collagen, a desirable protein which helps to hold various tissues together including gums, tendons, cartilage, and bone.

Gum Decay

Many comprehensive studies have been done to cross-examine the relationship between diabetes and gum decay. When compared against people who do not have diabetes, older diabetics show more pockets between teeth, indicating moderate to advanced levels of decay. These pockets are deeper than average and gums are more likely to bleed with everyday use.

Dry Mouth

Another uncomfortable dental problem faced by the diabetic community is dry mouth, with poor control leading yet again to a worse condition. Therefore, as challenging as it may be, diabetes dentists and doctors will highly recommend maximum control and awareness of cholesterol and glucose levels for the sake of improved oral health.

Plaque

Plaque buildup happens to everyone, requiring regular maintenance. This being said, high blood sugar levels enable germs to build up faster on gum tissue, exacerbating the issue. Look for red, swollen, and bleeding gums as a warning sign. This condition can quickly worsen to periodontitis, an infection of the various tissues that hold teeth in place. Eventually pockets of germs and pus fill between the teeth, causing them to rot or fall out.

Fortunately, there are a few effective ways of combating gum disease, either as a preventive measure or to reverse a less-than-ideal condition. Besides maintaining control of blood sugar levels, daily hygiene practices make the biggest difference in ensuring dental health. Brushing teeth and flossing every day will lower plaque and germ build-up, protecting teeth from decay. Regular dentist visits will add a professional edge that ensures optimum dental hygiene.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that smoking cigarettes introduces many chemicals that will worsen a person’s dental condition. Combined with diabetes a person’s teeth are at a much higher risk of disintegration. It is therefore recommended that diabetics avoid smoking if possible.

Dental Care for Diabetes Patients Serving Fairless Hills, Langhorne, Levittown, Yardley & Surrounding Areas

For more information or to get started with dental treatments if you or your loved one has diabetes, call us at (215) 945-8222 for all your oral care needs.