How diabetes can affect the smile

Diabetes is a condition that can take its toll on the entire body. But what many patients with diabetes don’t realize is that it can also put your smile at risk as well. When patients have been diagnosed with diabetes and are trying to manage it, they will want to share this medical information with their dentist at RB Dental Excellence to ensure that their smile is cared for properly. Dr. Robert Lozano and his team in San Diego, CA can help patients understand the connection between diabetes and oral health and fully comprehend the oral problems caused by diabetes.

What are some ways in which diabetes and oral health are linked?

Patients don’t often realize that diabetes can result in a variety of oral problems. Knowing how to care for the smile to protect it while effectively managing diabetes is the best course of action for diabetic patients. Dr. Robert Lozano is here to provide dental care instructions for diabetic patients and to provide them the information they need to properly care for their teeth and gums to reduce their risks of significant problems.

Below are just a few of the ways in which diabetes can affect the smile:

• Gum disease – the early signs of gum disease include bleeding and red, swollen gums when brushing and flossing. As soon as these changes begin, it is vital that patients speak to their dentist to get a proper diagnosis of periodontal disease. Without diagnosis and treatment, patients with gum disease will experience further problems resulting in the loss of bone, gum tissue, and teeth. Patients who have diabetes will want to keep their blood sugar levels stabilized to reduce the risk of worsening the earlier stages of gum disease.
• Dry mouth – one common complaint in patients with diabetes is dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow. It is not only associated with diabetes, but in patients who take certain types of medication as well. Without proper saliva flow, patients are putting their smiles at risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. If you have a dry mouth and diabetes, it is best to maintain proper blood sugar levels. Patients should also regularly drink water to help stimulate saliva flow.
• Changes in taste – while changes in taste are associated with conditions such as covid-19, it might also be a sign of diabetic complications. Patients may notice their favorite foods don’t have as much taste as they used to, resulting in a disappointing meal or snack. Avoid adding sugars to food to improve taste, as this can not only affect your nutrition but your oral health by increasing the risk of cavities.
• Infections – patients diagnosed with diabetes are often more vulnerable to infections such as oral thrush. Oral thrush is a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth and can signify higher sugar levels in saliva.
• Slower healing – diabetes can delay healing and recovery following injuries, surgeries, and other conditions. Patients with diabetes need to speak to their medical provider and advise them of their state to help professionals such as Dr. Robert Lozano monitor for changes that may impact one’s oral health.

Schedule a dental checkup in Rancho Bernardo to learn more about oral problems caused by diabetes

Dr. Robert Lozano and his team at RB Dental Excellence of San Diego, CA believe in providing patients with solutions for the health and appearance of the smile while educating patients on how certain medical conditions can impact their oral health. If you have diabetes and want to discuss the benefits of proper management to improve your smile, call the office at (858) 485-0707 today! Our dental facility is located at 16969 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite #103 and accepts new patients and families.