Dentistry for Diabetes

Are You Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic?

Did you know that there is a close link between your oral health and your ability to control your blood sugar levels? Untreated gum disease is known to contribute to and exacerbate diabetes, and diabetes makes your gum disease worse. It’s a vicious cycle and can only be treated by dentists who have received special training on dental care for diabetics.

We encourage you to call Arlington Smile Center today at 703-237-7622 for a consultation about dentistry for diabetics. Our dentist and team will never criticize you for having put off dental care, and you can rely on us to provide you with compassionate, non-judgmental and effective care. We can help!

During a dental exam, you will be assessed for gum redness, swelling, bleeding, foul odor, loose teeth and pain.

Diabetes-Related Dental Problems

  1. Gingivitis — Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, the earliest stage of gum disease. Symptoms are irritated, swollen or red gums. If treated early, gingivitis may not progress to one of the following, more serious conditions.
  2. Periodontitis — This is a gum infection resulting in gums pulling away from the teeth. Pockets between teeth and gums can fill with germs or pus and become deeper. Eventually, gum surgery may be needed. As the infection worsens, bone is destroyed and teeth may become loose and need to be pulled.
  3. Dental Caries — These are also known as cavities. They occur due to bacteria breaking down the hard tissue of the tooth, resulting in tooth decay. Cavities need to be filled with a composite material to avoid further erosion.
  4. Tooth Loss — If the teeth are unable to be saved, they may need to be pulled. This can cause distortion in remaining teeth, as well as jaw and bone structure. If many or all teeth are pulled, eventually dentures will be needed to masticate food. Keep in mind that dentures are not an ideal replacement for real teeth. There is a significant loss of bite power because dentures are not connected to the bone structure in the way real teeth are.
  5. Candidiasis — This is a fungal disease caused by injury to the soft tissue of the tongue and around the mouth caused by candida. This is the same bacteria that causes yeast infections. Symptoms include white patches in the mouth and on the tongue.
  6. Abscesses — An abscess is a painful pus-filled swelling that occurs when teeth or gums become injured due to trauma or infection. These infections will not go away on their own, so if you have one, it is crucial to seek treatment ASAP so your dentist can order you antibiotics to drain the abscess, clean the area and treat the infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the bones and surrounding teeth.
  7. Dry Mouth — Also called xerostomia, dry mouth can lead to soreness, ulcers, infection and tooth decay in addition to being generally irritating and uncomfortable.
  8. Thrush — People with diabetes are more likely to take antibiotics, which, unfortunately, can lead to fungal infections in the mouth or on the tongue.

Don’t delay! Call us now at 703-237-7622 to schedule your next preventative visit, or to ask us any questions about your routine care.