Diabetes is a sneaky condition that has the potential to cause head-to-toe complications. It could even affect your oral health! The good news is that dental insurance can help you to protect your smile. How can you get the most out of your benefits? This blog post provides some valuable information and practical tips.
Diabetes and Oral Health
Diabetes may affect your oral health in a few ways:
- Increased risk of dry mouth. High blood sugar levels may decrease saliva production, and some diabetes medications have dry mouth as a side effect. Without enough saliva to wash away harmful bacteria and food particles, you may be at a greater risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
- Cuts and sores. Some individuals with diabetes cannot taste well, which means they may not notice cuts and sores. If such small wounds become infected, they can lead to additional complications.
- Infections. Diabetes may compromise your body’s ability to fight off harmful bacteria, which could increase your risk of gum disease. In turn, gum disease is associated with an increased risk of numerous systemic health conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.
It is also important to keep in mind that not only can diabetes increase the risk of gum disease, but gum disease can also make blood sugar levels more difficult to control. This vicious cycle can be difficult to break free of without professional help.
Protecting Your Smile and Your Health
One basic step that individuals with diabetes should take is simply to be diligent about preventive dental care. Your dental policy likely covers 100% of the cost of checkups and cleanings, so you could visit your dentist twice a year for little to nothing out of pocket! Most dentists have extensive knowledge of how diabetes affects oral health and are well-equipped to provide necessary treatment and advice.
During routine visits, your dentist can monitor your oral health and provide personalized guidance. For example, they might suggest that you use certain oral care products to avoid dry mouth and fight gum disease. They may also offer basic tips on nutrition. If they notice that you have any infections or spots of decay, they can provide treatment before the issue becomes severe. Dental insurance often covers 50 – 80% of the cost of restorative services, such as fillings and gum disease treatment.
Diabetes can endanger your smile! Caring for your oral health is just one way in which you can keep your condition under control.
Meet the Practice
At Center One Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Canonsburg, our team is proud to provide top-quality oral healthcare for members of our community. We welcome insurance, and we are in-network with several popular plans. To learn more about how we can help you maximize your benefits and maintain your health, contact our office at 724-300-3700.