Keeping Diabetes at Bay: Dental Care for Diabetics

At Eagle Gate Dental, Dr. James Wright and his team of esteemed dental professionals love to give all of their patients good reason to smile, including those with special needs, such as diabetics. Diabetic patients in particular have special needs that must be kept in mind during their dental appointments as they are prone to a variety of oral health issues unique to their condition. By offering diabetics general dentistry care of the most surpassing standard, Dr. Wright is able to help them maintain excellent oral health, which in turn helps to contribute to improved overall health.

As part of his program to provide comprehensive dental care for diabetics at his Salt Lake City, UT dental practice, Dr. Wright also takes the time to meet with his diabetic patients and discuss their health and medication histories, lifestyles, diet and exercise regimens, and at-home dental routines. He then performs an oral exam, paying particularly close attention to their periodontal tissues, as diabetics are especially susceptible to gum disease. Based on the consultation and exam, Dr. Wright provides diabetic patients with a customized treatment plan that, over time, will help them achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

If you or someone you love has diabetes, we urge you to schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. James Wright at Eagle Gate Dental today.

What Are the Special Needs of Dental Patients with Diabetes?

Patients with diabetes tend to be more susceptible to a variety of oral health problems, especially if their blood glucose levels are not well controlled. These problems include:

• Gum disease: It has been shown in clinical studies that diabetics are more likely to have gum disease than people without diabetes. It has also been proven that uncontrolled diabetes tends to promote the progression of gum disease, while gum disease tends to contribute to spikes in blood sugar levels. In other words, these two diseases feed off of one another, creating a vicious cycle that can only be broken by seeking treatment for both diseases and taking steps toward improved habits outside of the doctor’s and dentist’s offices.
• Tooth loss: It is no coincidence that gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss, and that diabetics lose their teeth at a pace much greater than non-diabetics.
• Oral thrush: Diabetics are more prone to develop oral thrush, an often-painful infection of the mouth, than non-diabetics. Oral thrush usually manifests itself in the form of white lesions on the tongue and inner cheeks.
• Dry mouth: Many diabetics struggle to stay hydrated, which contributes to how common dry mouth syndrome is among those with diabetes. Dry mouth syndrome is, in turn, commonly associated with gum disease, tooth decay, and oral health problems.

Learn More about Dental Care for Diabetics

The best way for diabetics to maintain good oral health is to visit the dentist twice a year, as recommended by the American Dental Association. To schedule your first appointment with Dr. James Wright, please contact Eagle Gate Dental today.