513-779-7711 Diabetes has been linked to a variety of common oral health problems, but you can reduce the risk of dental health problems caused by diabetes with the help of our dentists and team.
Tooth Decay
Heightened blood sugar levels increases the risk of tooth decay by providing plaque with more sugar to feed on, enabling it to produce harmful acids. Maintaining a healthy diet helps regulate blood sugar levels, while brushing and flossing controls the natural bacteria in your smile.
Gum Disease
Diabetes can increase your risk of a condition known as periodontal disease when increased plaque buildup begins to infect the gums. Because gum disease makes it harder to control your blood sugar levels, you can become stuck in a vicious cycle. In addition to controlling blood sugar, you should also brush and floss daily.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of high blood sugar levels and certain diabetes medications. Not only can it sour your breath, but reduced saliva production can result in food particles and plaque being left on your teeth. Our dentists may recommend that you drink more water, chew sugar-free gum, or take a saliva substitute.
Oral Infection
If you have diabetes and are receiving oral surgery such as tooth extraction, you may experience a slower healing process and increased risk of infection. Prior to undergoing oral surgery, notify the dentists that you are diabetic and work on getting your blood sugar under control. If needed, Drs. Merrill and Merrill can provide antibiotics to fight infection at the time of your procedure.
Give Merrill Dental a call at 513-779-7711 today if you are interested in receiving further information on the link between diabetes and oral health in West Chester, Ohio, or would like to schedule an appointment with our friendly dental team.