Most dentists have always held to the firm conviction that it is paramount to provide top-quality dental care in every aspect of our professional services. One the most important dental services we offer that so many people do not even recognize as being a service is patient education.
This is because most people assume that dentistry exclusively consists on treating oral diseases and cosmetic dental problems. It only appears this way, however, because the average man or woman waits until they have a noticeable problem before seeing a dentist or cosmetic dentistry specialist.
It never has to be this way unless people choose to make it this way. People can do great things for their own health simply by educating themselves in the basics of prevention and home care. This is especially the case for diabetics due to the many challenges to oral health that diabetes precipitates.
The following patient education principles represent the basic elements of diabetic dental patient care that we provide to every person who walks through our doors.
More detailed information on each of these points may be obtained by contacting a dentist or dental hygienist.
Oral Hygiene is the foundation of diabetic oral health. Diabetics must understand that consistent, good oral hygiene helps prevent the majority of periodontal problems. If a diabetic has bleeding gums, this may be a sign of infection that should immediately be addressed by a dentist.
Persons experiencing such symptoms should schedule a visit with their dental hygienist and dentist. Dental Checkups must be scheduled every 6 months. Because diabetics may not even be unaware that they have periodontal disease, they should see a dental hygienist and a dentist every 6 months.
If it has been any longer than this, schedule an appointment with our team as soon as possible. Also, make sure that the dentist knows about the current condition of your diabetes control.
Diabetes Control is one of the most important aspects of patient dental education. Patients with Type I or Type II diabetes must also remain aware that any periodontal infection makes it more difficult to control diabetes. Conversely, poor diabetic control may increase one's vulnerability to periodontal infection.
Diabetics should to know that they are more likely to get gum infections than nondiabetics. These infections will take longer to heal. Persistent infection can lead to tooth loss.
If a diabetic has any form of gum disease, or if he or she even suspects a mouth infection, call the office and schedule an appointment immediately.
Natural Dentition is another important aspect of dental patient education. Because of the critical role played by maintaining a proper diet in helping control diabetes, a diabetic should do everything necessary to keep your existing teeth. He or she may have problems wearing dentures, so call us and make an appointment if you have not had a thorough dental examination in the past 6 months.
Diabetics should always be mindful of the priority of staying on top of their diabetes not just by staying on top of the disease, but also by proactively managing things like oral health that are related to diabetes control.
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