Diabetes & Your Teeth

[x]   Tags: diabetes, Type 1, Type 2, cavities, blood sugar, swollen, irritated, bleeding, blood vessels, gingivitis, smoking, infections, enamel, jaw, avoid :oral care, teeth, gums, hygiene, dental, tips, cause, treatment, prevention : Health, Health video, Medical videos, Medical, Video

[x]   Transcript: If you're one of the 23.6 million Americans with diabetes, you know that taking care of your body is extra important. And that goes for your mouth as well. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you're at a higher risk of dental problems. Why? Well, diabetes causes blood vessels to thicken, putting a roadblock in the way of getting key nutrients flowing into your gums, and getting harmful elements out. This slowdown of normal blood flow weakens your gums and teeth, making them prone to infections such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. And if you're a smoker, your gum disease risk is MULTIPLIED. Also, because diabetics heal more slowly, gum infections are more severe and frequent. If left untreated, gum disease can wear away at your gums and jawbone. If your gums are swollen, irritated, or bleeding, see your dentist RIGHT away. Keeping your blood glucose levels in check is vital. The higher your blood sugar levels, the higher the risk you'll get cavities. The sugars and starches in your saliva mix with the natural bacteria in your mouth, creating plaque. The more sugars in your system, the more plaque there is to sit on your teeth and erode the enamel. A side effect of diabetes that can ALSO contribute to cavities is dry mouth. Saliva washes away leftover food and helps excess bacteria from growing. If your mouth stays dry for long periods of time, this can irritate the gums making them susceptible to infection. Your dentist may prescribe a wash or other medicine to keep your mouth moisturized. You can also try sucking on ice chips, or sugar-free candy and gum. Avoid salty foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Aside from monitoring your blood sugar, diabetic oral hygiene is pretty standard. Daily flossing, brushing after meals, and regular trips to the dentist are all crucial. For more ways to keep you and your mouth healthy, check out the rest of the videos in this series.

[x]   Bio: Dr. Smith, received his dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry as part of an accelerated seven-year B.A./D.D.S. combined degree program at New York University. After completing a general practice residency at Booth Memorial Medical Center, he earned a specialty certificate in prosthodontics from NYUCD's Postgraduate Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics.He is a former Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at NYUCD, and the former director of the Periodontal-Prosthetics residency program at New York Hospital Queens. Dr. Smith is currently an Associate Clinical Professor at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in the Department of Prosthodontics, where he teaches postgraduate Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry and also part of the Specialized Dentistry of New York team.