I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.
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Working With A Great Dentist
Diabetes And Wearing Braces
Harper Hughes
If you have diabetes, your endocrinologist probably monitors your blood glucose levels and other blood chemistry lab tests very carefully. In addition to getting regular medical checkups for your diabetes, your orthodontist will also need to monitor your oral health more frequently if you wear braces. Not only can diabetes affect your liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system, it can also affect your oral cavity. Here are some diabetes-related findings your orthodontist may discover during your routine braces examination.
Oral Candidiasis
If you have diabetes, especially long-standing diabetes or poorly controlled diabetes, you may be more likely to develop oral fungal or yeast infections such as candidiasis. During your examination, the orthodontist may suspect the presence of candidiasis if he or she notices white patches on your tongue, the floor of your mouth, or throat.
If detected, you will need to be treated with an antifungal medication, because if left untreated, a fungal or yeast infection may affect your gum tissue, and in severe cases, your braces may need to be removed until the infection has cleared.
Also, in addition to an antifungal medication, your dentist may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen because the white patches may cause irritation of your tongue and the gum tissue underneath your braces.
Poor Wound Healing And Bleeding Gums
Another potential effect diabetes may have on the oral cavity is poor wound healing and bleeding gums. Diabetes can trigger systemic inflammation, which can cause capillary dysfunction, gingival inflammation, and abnormal bleeding.
If you are anticipating a dental procedure such as a tooth extraction, let your dentist know about your history of diabetes. In the meantime, make an appointment with your physician, who will monitor your blood glucose levels and prescribe the appropriate treatment if your levels are too high.
Lowering your blood sugar will help ensure that you do not get a post-procedure infection after your tooth extraction. Also, when diabetes is well-managed, your gums will be less likely to bleed if your braces become too tight or if your gums become irritated as a result of gingivitis
If you have diabetes, work with both your physician and orthodontist to help ensure that you do not develop any oral complications while you are wearing your braces. In the meantime, there are certain things you can do at home to help manage your diabetes better. These include taking all your prescribed medications, managing your weight, getting enough exercise, and following your therapeutic diet. For more information, contact an orthodontist office such as Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP.
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