Preventive dentistry is the first line of defense against dental diseases. It helps maintain good oral health. Preventive dental care is a combination of good oral hygiene practices coupled with regular dental consultations. Dentists can help maintain oral health via thorough check-ups during dental consultations and foresee any dental issues that can likely come up in the future. If needed, they use tools like X-rays to further investigate any underlying issues and treat them before the disease progresses.
Preventive dentistry has two sides to it. The first being that the dentist supports oral health through early diagnosis of a dental issue. The second side is the responsibility that lies with patients who need to follow good oral hygiene practices such as the following:
- brushing twice a day after meals
- flossing
- using mouthwash
- taking care of their diet
- not damage oral health by habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco etc.
Preventive dental care is especially useful for patients suffering from diabetes.
Supporting oral health in diabetic patients
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that results in high blood sugar levels. If this is untreated, it affects other major organs of the body and oral health is also affected. People with diabetes have a high chance of dental issues. Tooth decay, and gum diseases are commonly seen. Besides this, they also have dental issues like mouth ulcers, taste imbalances, fungal infections, dry mouth and others. They have less immunity and are prone to a variety of diseases more than those who do not have diabetes.
Regular dental consultation
A main support that preventive dentistry offers is regular dental examination. Dentists conduct thorough a dental examination to check the oral/dental health of the patient. If there is a suspicion of some problem, they use specialized tools to probe deeper and check for any underlying issues.
One of the issues that diabetic people have is that they are easily prone to diseases. Through this consultation, the dentist will be able to predict any dental condition that can affect and help take preventive action against it and protect oral health. These dental consultations should be done at least every six months. Along with checking on oral/dental health, proactive measures to maintain oral health can also be discussed during the sessions.
Cleaner teeth
Plaque/tartar build-up is seen in almost everyone — even if you are a person with good oral hygiene practices, you will still have some plaque build-up on your teeth. When food is consumed, some food particles escape the cleaning and get stuck between the teeth. These food particles attract bacterial action and damage the teeth. Bacteria work on the food and releases acid which erodes the dental enamel of the teeth and slowly brings in decay.
The build-up of plaque/tartar will damage the teeth and also the gums. The tooth can change to a darker shade when the decay progresses. As people with diabetes have less tolerance toward diseases, the decay progresses faster.
While it is important that proper brushing practices are followed, it is also important to go for professional cleaning of teeth to remove any plaque build-up on the tooth. Removal of plaque and cleaning of the tooth is possible and provided through preventive dental treatment.
Preventive gum diseases
Bacterial action brings in plaque deposits and they are often formed at the base of the tooth near the gum lining. The plaque will irritate the gums and cause inflammation. They will also change colour and easily bleed while brushing. One of the first symptoms of diabetes is seen in the oral area along with other noticeable symptoms.
Gums help affix the tooth on the jaw bone. When the plaque deposits develop, they weaken the tissues and reduce their capacity in offering support to the tooth. Professional cleaning of teeth will help remove plaque/tartar deposits at the base of the teeth. The gum lining does not get inflamed and oral health is maintained.
It is commonly seen that people with diabetes outnumber those who do not have diabetes in having gum diseases. Diabetic people notice more loose teeth, bleeding gums and exposed gums – these are sure symptoms of gum diseases. It is important to have these symptoms checked when they first appear as the progress of gum diseases is rapid in the case of diabetic people.
Protection to teeth
Tooth decay is brought about by bacteria when they act on the food that is stuck in the fissures of the tooth. Preventive dentistry offers a solution to this and is extremely helpful for diabetic people.
Dental sealants are placed on top of the tooth to offer a protective covering to the tooth. The dental sealant is a plastic-like material that does not allow food debris to stick to it. This is helpful in the case of teeth at the back of the mouth which you may find difficult to clean.
By placing the sealants, the chances of food particles getting stuck on the tooth are reduced and thereby lowering the chances of tooth decay and associated problems. Sealants can particularly offer protection to teeth that have pits in them. It is a good preventive measure that diabetic patients can opt for to stop tooth decay/cavities.
Personal care and oral health
Having diabetes increases the chances of oral/dental problems and other diseases. It is important to control the blood sugar level. Following a strict lifestyle and taking care of food habits will go a long way in controlling diabetes and thereby related diseases.
The results of blood sugar tests/levels should be shared with the dentist during dental consultations. Diabetes affects children as well as adults and it is important to take care of oral health by following proper guidance and support from dentists.
During consultations it is also important to have discussions with the dentist and clarify information that one has. Following good oral hygiene, taking care of food habits, and consulting dentists when unsure will ensure in promotion of oral wellbeing.
By choosing to undergo regular dental consultations, you can maintain a healthy set of teeth and gums. While this is true for everyone, if you have diabetes you must definitely not neglect preventive dental care.
