New Teeth Experts in New York: Understanding Diabetes and Your Oral Health, PART 2

This two-part article series provides an in-depth look at the relationship between diabetes and oral health and how Rutherford residents living with this condition can better protect their teeth and gums.

Welcome to Part 2 of our article series on the link between diabetes and oral health. In the first installment, we spoke to a new teeth specialist in New York about the impacts this disease has upon the health of patients’ teeth and gums. Now, we shall take a brief look at how gum disease is treated and what New York residents living with diabetes can do to mitigate the damage done to their oral health.

Gum Disease Treatment

The course of treatment prescribed by your dental healthcare practitioner will really depend on the severity of your condition. “In its beginning stages, gum disease can usually be successfully treated with a course of anti-biotic medication and rinses, a thorough professional cleaning and/or an improved home oral hygiene routine,” says a dental implants dentist in Stamford CT. “If, however, your condition has advanced and there are deep pockets of infection surrounding your teeth, you will likely need to undergo one or more dental procedures to eliminate the diseased tissue and infection and reduce the depth of these pockets.”

Having diabetes can render these procedures somewhat tricky, because this disease slows the rate at which its sufferers heal. Post-operative healing will have to be closely monitored to ensure that infection doesn’t set in again. Your dentist may prescribe a course of anti-biotic medication as a precaution. Additionally, diabetics will need to have their blood sugar levels carefully controlled before and after their procedures.

Minimizing the Oral Health Risks of Diabetes

All of this can sound somewhat frightening. No one enjoys the prospect of oral surgery, so the very best philosophy New York residents living with diabetes can adopt is to prevent rather than cure! “If you have been diagnosed with diabetes you must first accept that you will need to spend a little more time and spend a little more effort on looking after your teeth and gums,” explains a new teeth specialist in New York. “You should tell your dentist about your condition and ask him or her for advice on home oral hygiene care. You will also need to go for more frequent check-ups and professional cleanings as a part of the preventative healthcare regime that will keep your oral health in check.”

Here’s some general advice for New York residents living with diabetes:

1. Brush your teeth for two minutes at a time and brush three times a day.

2. Floss your teeth every day, preferably before you go to bed at night.

3. Make use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash to really keep your mouth clean of the oral bacteria that cause gum disease.

4. “Keep a close eye on the health of your gums,” advises a dental implants dentist in Stamford CT. “If you ever notice any bleeding when you brush or floss, or swelling and inflammation, be sure to notify your dentist as soon as possible.”

5. As a diabetic, you should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Remember, you are more prone to infection than people without this condition, so you will need to be extra thorough in your approach to keeping your mouth clean.

6.“You must absolutely tell your dentist and oral hygienist that you have diabetes,” urges a new teeth expert in New York. “This will help them devise a preventative treatment schedule that will protect your teeth and gums. You should also let them know of any over-the-counter and prescription medications you might be on.”

A Final Note

By taking extra special care of your oral health, you can offset the damage done by diabetes and keep your smile beautiful and healthy for far longer. Work closely with your dentist to achieve your goals and keep smiling!