November - Diabetes & Your Dental Health

It’s no secret that diabetes is a health condition that must be treated because of the problems it can cause throughout the body—including your mouth.  Almost 26 million children and adults in the U.S.  suffer from diabetes, according to the the National Diabetes Association.

When diabetics experience high glucose levels, those elevated sugars can help bacteria thrive, which causes major problems for their teeth.  Because of the risks, it’s important for diabetics to take especially good care of their teeth. Some diabetics have chronic inflammation and infections in their mouths or other special oral care needs.

Common dental conditions associated with diabetes include tooth decay, gum disease, saliva gland dysfunction, infections, and delayed healing.  If you are diabetic, it is paramount that you share that information with your dentist.

Diabetics, like all other people, should be vigilant about regular brushing and flossing habits. In addition, they need to watch for these dental symptons:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Tender or swollen gums
• Pus between the teeth when the gums are pressed
• Consistent bad breath or taste in the mouth
• Dry mouth
• A bite that feels different
• Oral candidiasis (thrush)

Good blood glucose control can help prevent or relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes. Most importantly, call Dr. Gary Green's office, make an appointment & have your gums examined. 973-228-0252. Or contact Dr. Green via email: garygreendmd@gmail.com

Author

Michelle Bivins Michelle has been a part of Dr. Gary Green's marketing team for nearly 3 years. With a background in advertising and healthcare marketing, she is a welcome addition to Dr. Green's team. In addition to assisting with the website, Michelle is Dr. Green's publicist writing press releases for the many community outreach activities Dr. Green participates in from the Caldwell Street Fair to his dental seminars at senior centers throughout West Essex county. Many of Dr. Green's outreach activities have been chronicled in the local newspapers. Michelle also writes and sends out electronic newsletters to Dr. Green's patients, the local media and community members. Michelle has established a strong presence for Dr. Green on several social media platforms including facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. With the addition of blogging, Michelle hopes to tackle those questions that patients would like to ask and highlight some of the popular trends in dentistry.