Diabetes can negatively impact oral health, and a family dentist is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease in these patients.  Diabetes leads to uncontrolled blood sugar levels.  When blood sugar levels spike it inhibits the white blood cells in the body from fighting infection.  The body needs to be able to fight the bacteria inside of the mouth in order to prevent cavities and gum disease and when it can’t these problems develop a lot faster.

The most important thing for a diabetic to do is keep their blood sugar levels under control.  If they can prevent spikes in blood sugar, they can have the same level of risk for oral health issues that other people have.  When the blood sugar is not kept at a healthy and normal level, the risk of all types of illnesses is increased.

It is important for a diabetic to work with an experienced family dentist who understands these types of complications.  Oral health care needs to be coordinated with regular medical care to ensure that any dental treatments are being conducted at an appropriate time.  For example, if blood sugar has recently spiked it is not a good time to complete a root canal, as the healing process will be prolonged.  Dr. Bodnar works with patients to keep track of their overall health and schedules dental procedures when he believes they will have the best chance of a speedy recovery.

Since diabetics are at a greater risk of oral health issues, it is more important for them to practice good preventative care at home.  Dr. Bodnar recommends that diabetic patients do the following:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.  Diabetics have difficulty producing saliva.  This is the body’s natural way of washing away bacteria and food particles.  When there is a lack of saliva the bacteria simply stays in place on the gums and the teeth.  Drinking water throughout the day will help the body stay hydrated, produce saliva, and wash away bacteria.
• Brush throughout the day.  Diabetics should brush after drinking or eating in order to prevent bacteria from remaining on teeth and gums.  Since the body has a more difficult time naturally fighting bacteria, the best course of action is to prevent it from spreading in the first place.
• Floss twice a day.  Flossing after meals or at least twice a day will also help to remove bacteria before it has the chance of spreading.
• Use mouthwash. An antiseptic mouthwash will help to kill the bacteria that was not removed with brushing and flossing.  This is a good alternative to chewing gum or using breath mints.

Diabetic patients should also visit the dentist more than the average adult.  Dr. Bodnar recommends that most patients have their teeth cleaned and examined twice a year. Diabetics should likely have this done on a quarterly basis.  This allows Dr. Bodnar and his staff remove bacteria from teeth and gums to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from forming.  Staying healthy is important, and your family dentist is an important part of that equation.