Local Dalton Dentist Treats Diabetic Patients

At our Dalton dentist office, Drs. Callejas and Caylor treat patients that are suffering from a variety of health conditions, including diabetes.  It is important for a diabetic to see a dental professional that is experienced and will be able to work with their doctor to improve their overall health.  Our staff is highly trained and able to do so.Diabetics need to have coordinated care among their health care providers to ensure that they have the best opportunity of remaining in good health and recovering in the event that a dental procedure needs to be scheduled.  For example, a recent spike in blood sugar can make it harder for a diabetic patient to recover after the procedure.  By working together and being informed, Drs. Callejas and Caylor can schedule dental procedures for when a patient has the best chance of a speedy recovery.There are several oral health conditions that diabetics are at a greater risk for, including:

• Dry mouth.  When the mouth is dry there is a lack of saliva.  Saliva is the body’s way of washing away bacteria and naturally preventing disease.  Not having enough of it places a patient at risk.  Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated in order to avoid this uncomfortable condition.  Beyond health implications, dry mouth can also cause bad breath, so drinking water is better for everyone.
• Gum inflammation.  Blood vessels will typically thicken with diabetic patients.  This can cause blood flow to become restricted and gums to become inflamed.  This may cause gingivitis which can be uncomfortable and lead to gum disease.  Full blown gum disease is painful and can even cause teeth to fall out.  Regular trips to our Dalton dentist office can prevent gum disease by having bacteria removed from around and under the gum line.
• Thrush.  Diabetics tend to suffer from more infections than the general population.  This can lead to more antibiotics being prescribed which can in turn lead to thrush.  This condition can cause a burning sensation in your mouth and on your tongue which can be very uncomfortable.  When taking antibiotics patients should drink plenty of water and brush teeth more often in order to prevent this fungal infection.

There are ways to prevent these oral health conditions.  When diabetics keep their blood sugar under control their risk factors are greatly reduced, and their oral health can be as good as non-diabetics.  This can be done by eating a healthy diet and having help from their primary care physician.  By getting their teeth cleaned twice a year at our Dalton dentist office, bacteria and plaque can be removed which will also prevent cavities and gum disease.We recommend that diabetics pay extra attention to their at-home health care routine.  Instead of brushing twice a day, patients should brush their teeth after every meal, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash.  This routine will help to kill bacteria before it can create an infection.  Additionally, drinking extra water throughout the day will contribute to improved health overall.

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