Millions of people in our country have been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes affects they body’s ability to process sugar. There are two types of diabetes, Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes is characterized as the rarer form, more common to childhood onset, and is described by the body destroying the cells that create insulin needed for body cells to intake glucose (sugar). Type II diabetes tends to occur beyond childhood and is described more as insulin resistance, where the body isn’t able to use insulin the right way.

Many Americans don’t even know that they have diabetes. If it goes untreated in can have dangerous effects on the whole body, including oral health as well. Diabetes often leaves people with dry mouth and a feeling of excessive thirst. The condition of dry mouth can lead to cavities and gum disease because saliva helps to protect your teeth both through the beneficial minerals inside and the ability to neutralize acids we may consume.

Diabetics may also be susceptible to infections inside the mouth. The poor blood sugar control specific to diabetes increases the risk of gum tissue problems. The bad news is that gum disease can become very serious as the chronic inflammation in the gums couples with the reduced anti-inflammation cellular response in a person with diabetes.

Seeing your dentist is extremely important for those diagnosed with diabetes. Treating gum disease can help to improve blood sugar control and decrease the progression of the diabetes. Performing excellent oral care is extremely important if you have either type of diabetes. Be sure to let your dentist know that you have diabetes, if you have been recently diagnosed, and be sure to follow a strict regimen of oral care at home. Certain dental procedures may require the dentist to check blood sugar levels as well to assure that the procedure can be performed safely.

If you have any other questions about your oral care and diabetes, please feel free to discuss is with us.

About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options.  We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.

39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200
Clinton Township, MI
48038
US
Phone: 586-286-0700
Fax: 586-286-5932