There’s no doubt that uncontrolled diabetes can have devastating effects on your overall health, which includes your oral health.

The good news? You can take control of diabetes by following a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, taking your medications as directed, and maintaining tight blood sugar control. It sounds like a lot, but healthy habits are easier to develop once you recognize the very real physical and emotional rewards associated with controlling your diabetes.

Following up with your diabetes care team, as directed is also critical to effectively managing diabetes. And a valued member of that team is your oral healthcare professional.

The team of dental experts at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada in Las Vegas includes MDs who also hold dental degrees and are board-certified surgeons. These highly skilled specialists have extensive experience in caring for the oral health needs of patients with diabetes.

Take a minute to read what they have to say about how diabetes can affect dental surgery outcomes.

Diabetes and your oral health

Because diabetes can interfere with your body’s ability to fight off infection and protect you from other oral health problems, individuals with uncontrolled diabetes are at increased risk of developing:

• Gingivitis (early gum disease)

• Tooth decay

• Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) that can lead to tooth loss and systemic (widespread) infection

• Oral yeast infection (thrush)

High blood sugar levels can also cause persistent dry mouth (xerostomia). Without adequate moisture provided by saliva, which helps wash away bacteria, you’re more susceptible to oral health disease.

Diabetes and dental surgery

Dental surgery is sometimes a necessary step in effectively treating oral health problems associated with diabetes.

Unfortunately, the high blood sugars that may have increased your susceptibility to tooth decay, gum disease, etc. also impair your ability to heal. And that increases your risk of infection, which in turn causes blood sugar levels to climb. Even simple tooth extractions can become problematic if you’re slow to heal.

Surgery can also cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low (hypoglycemia), especially if you take insulin or other insulin-enhancing medications and have difficulty eating after the procedure.

All these factors may prevent a successful surgical outcome. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to overcome the challenges associated with diabetes and dental surgery.

How should I prepare for dental surgery if I have diabetes?

The most important step you can take when preparing for dental surgery is to manage your diabetes and blood sugar levels effectively .

Preparation should also include close follow-up and clear communication with your primary diabetes care physician regarding your plans for dental surgery.

Once we have your permission, our team at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada works with your primary care to coordinate your surgery as necessary, discuss the procedure, and remain informed of changes in your diabetes control.

Other steps you can take in preparing for dental surgery include sharing accurate details regarding your blood sugar levels, medications, and other important facts about your health history with your surgeon.

Eat and take your medications exactly as directed before and after the surgery. Talk with your surgeon and primary care physician in advance about which foods and beverages you can consume following the procedure.

You should also select an oral surgeon who has the training, experience, and skill it takes to work with individuals who have diabetes.

For outstanding dental care for individuals with diabetes, schedule an appointment today with one of our experts at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada.