Diabetes is a condition that affects both children and adults. This debilitating disease causes the body to respond differently to sugars. This condition is becoming more common, with approximately one out of three adults in American with prediabetes. The numbers are high, and this condition can cause a wide range of concerns throughout the body—including the smile! The doctors at Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of New York, NY want to educate parents on the importance of managing diabetes for their children’s overall health and to help them maintain a healthy smile!
How does diabetes affect the teeth?
Diabetes can put patients at risk for a wide range of problems with overall health, including poor oral health. It can increase one’s risk of developing periodontal disease, or “gum disease.” This is often due to dry mouth. These problems can cause bacteria to thrive, growing in the smile and significantly increasing the chance of disease and decay. Preexisting conditions can be exasperated by diabetes and make these risks much higher for both children and adults.
How can I improve my oral health with diabetes?
Regardless of your overall health, it is still important for children to brush after every meal, floss at least once a day, and visit the dentist biannually for cleanings and evaluations. Maintaining excellent oral health can contribute to one’s confidence and help maintain a natural smile as long as possible! With routine visits, a dentist can spot the early signs of decay and can intervene before the problem worsens. Patients should also be prudent about monitoring their blood sugar levels and acting as needed before diabetes becomes more concerning.
Learn how diabetes impacts your child’s smile
If your child has a diabetes diagnosis, it is essential that parents understand how this condition can impact their child’s oral health. If you are located in the area of New York, NY and are in need of more information regarding oral health and diabetes, we urge you to book an appointment for your child at our facility, conveniently located at 800A Fifth Avenue, Suite #303. We are open to new and established patients who call our office at (212) 879-6518 to make an appointment.