Karen P. Meyers, DDS

Birmingham, MI

1875 Southfield Rd, Birmingham, MI  48009
Phone: 248-646-2450
Experience Excellence in Dental care

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Importance of Dental Health for Diabetes Patients

January 31, 2017

Meyers_Blog_12_157941644Some people may not associate their smile with a healthy life, but the mouth is the gateway to the body and having a healthy mouth is the start to having a healthy body.

While diabetes can have serious effects on your body, it may also take its toll on your teeth. It’s practically common knowledge now that diabetes affects your body’s ability to process the sugars in foods we eat. But what does that have to do with your teeth?

For starters, even mild diabetic individuals produce far less saliva than non-diabetics, due to medications taken to manage diabetes. But why does that matter? To begin, not only does less saliva affect how food tastes, but it is also a critical component in protecting your teeth from cavities and forming plaque. In short, as a diabetic, you are more likely to get cavities, experience plaque buildup, and have an increased risk of dental infection.

This means that diabetics should brush their teeth at least twice a day (electric toothbrushes are the best at removing plaque) for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day. These steps, along with regular cleanings with your hygienist or dentist, are essential to removing plaque.

If plaque and bacteria aren’t completely removed from your teeth daily, you’ll produce calculus (and not the hard math class, but much worse). Calculus is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by flossing and brushing, but requires your dentist or hygienist to remove it.  If the calculus is not removed, gums will swell and more easily bleed. The consequences of swollen gums that bleed more easily is the development of the mouth disease periodontitis.

Periodontitis destroys the bone that supports your teeth. In time, the bones that keep teeth in place will recede around your teeth and, left untreated, will result in teeth that loosen and ultimately fall out. The most nefarious part of gum disease is that, because it’s not painful, it can go unnoticed without regular checkups and it only presents with pain once it’s too late and your teeth are too loose to be salvaged, which results in them having to be and removed.

The best way to know if you are developing or already have periodontitis is to visit your dentist at least twice a year. There are additional things that diabetics can do to prevent tooth loss: monitor and managing your blood sugar, maintain a healthy diet, limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking. For good dental — and overall — health, keep healthy food chooses in mind; drink plenty of water; eat whole, grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low fat and fat free dairy foods.

And brush, floss and use a rinsing agent!  These steps, combined with proper diabetes management and regular dental visits, will go a long way in maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.

Filed Under: diabetes, oral health Tagged With: diabetes, mouth disease

Diabetes and the Dentist: Helping You to Be Healthy

November 8, 2015

glucose monitorDid you know that November is Diabetes Awareness Month?

Diabetes is a complicated chronic disease that affects many systems within the body, including your teeth and gums.

What are important facts to know about diabetes and dental health?

  • Poorly managed blood glucose levels (your sugars) put you at greater risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
  • It goes both ways. Not only does diabetes cause periodontal disease, but rampant periodontal disease can lead to higher glucose levels.
  • If you notice bleeding gums, this is an early sign of periodontitis (gum disease). Make an appointment to see your dentist right away, so you can begin treatment before more serious issues including gum erosion and tooth loss develop.
  • Diabetics are also at risk for other mouth problems: dry mouth, fungal infection (thrush) and mouth sores that are slow to heal. If you experience these systems (a sore area of the mouth that doesn’t heal, a funny taste in your mouth or continuous dry mouth), see your dentist right away.
  • Diabetics have to be hyper-vigilant about brushing their teeth and flossing.
  • Diabetics, because of their heightened risk of gum inflammation, should use the softest bristled toothbrushes available and brush in gentle circles. Ask your dental hygienist and dentist to observe you as you brush, so they can help refine your technique.
  • Make sure you tell your dentist and hygienist if you are diabetic, so they can be a part of your overall health care team.

Monitor your blood glucose as directed, watch your carbohydrate intake and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight. All of these will lead to better-controlled diabetes, which in turn can positively affect your oral health.

Filed Under: oral health Tagged With: diabetes, Diabetes Awareness Month, periodontitis

To schedule an appointment please call us 248-646-2450.

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Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:Closed
Thursday:8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:By appointment only
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Sunday:Closed

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Karen P Meyers, DDS 
1875 Southfield Road, Birmingham, MI  48009

Phone: 248-646-2450

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