Diabetes and Your Dentist
If you have diabetes, you need a dentist trained in diabetic dental treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then it is essential that you see a dentist specially trained in diabetic care. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease so proper care and maintenance is important to preserve good oral health.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, please contact Dr. Madison by calling (310)553-2940 or filling out the form on this page.
Diabetics have a more difficult time controlling blood sugar, and this can increase the risk of periodontal disease. Poor blood sugar control often leads to a higher glucose level in the mouth, an environment that makes it easier for bacteria to proliferate.
Over time, a heightened blood glucose level and the attendant bacteria can cause gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, which can lead to Periodontitis. At the Periodontitis stage, diabetics are at greater risk of for tooth and bone loss if not treated in time. On top of an increased susceptibility to infections, diabetics also tend to heal slower once an infection sets in.
Diabetes Medications
Another complication of diabetes when it comes to oral health is that many medications to treat the disease also cause dry mouth. Decreased saliva can prevent bacteria from being cleared away, thus making diabetics more susceptible to increased bacterial levels.
Also, sometimes the medication prescribed by a doctor to treat diabetes can have harsh, unintended reactions to materials used by the dentist. However, a dentist well-trained in diabetic care will take the necessary safety measures to prevent such problems.
Dentistry for Diabetics
Because diabetics are at higher risk for periodontal disease, a well-trained periodontist is usually needed to care for diabetic patients especially those that are having a hard time controlling their blood sugar. Recent studies have demonstrated that controlling periodontal disease makes controlling the blood sugar easier. At the same time a trained periodontist can detect potential problems at earlier stages, and prevent them form developing into full blown issues.
Dentists who train diabetics must also exercise certain precautions. For example oral surgery can be more complicated for people with diabetes. Dentists not trained with how to treat the disease may suggest that patients not eat before oral surgery or commence surgery when blood glucose levels are too high. Untrained dentists or periodontists may also be unprepared to handle diabetes-related emergencies.
However, at Dr. Miles Madison's office, we are trained to help treat diabetics, whether newly diagnosed or those who have lived with it for years. Dr. Madison maintains a warm and friendly "chair-side" manner, making it easy to communicate openly with you and, if need be, your doctor. Dr. Madison keeps himself updated constantly by taking continuing education classes, reading all of the recent research papers, and by communicating with other doctors who specialize in treating diabetics.
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Madison by calling (310)553-2940 or filling out the form on this page.
If you have any other questions or comments regarding this article, please contact us at (310) 553-2940 or by email at periodontics@earthlink.net.
Dr. Miles Madison, D.D.S., is an award-winning periodontist in Beverly Hills, California.
