A most common complication which arises when treating diabetic patients is hypoglycemia. This very decreased blood sugar rate manifests as mood changes, weakness, hunger and exhibits signs such as mental disturbance, sweating, and tachycardia. In the most severe cases, even hypothermia followed by seizures and even coma and death can occur. Dental treatment is terminated at the moment any signs of hypoglycemic appear.

Preventive steps

Here at Seattle holistic dentists we firmly stand by our motto that prevention is the best protection. There are times when patients forget to take their insulin before a dentist`s intervention. It is crucial that the blood sugar level is tested before the intervention, otherwise serious problems may arise. In case the glucose level is not lowered, the patient should take the insulin treatment. After about 15 minutes, the next check is in order. If the level of glucose is still above the200 mg/dL limit, the appointment should be rescheduled. For noninvasive procedures, like simple oral examinations or radiography, these rules may apply, but with looser boundaries.

Treatment tips

Experience shows us that glucose levels are most stable in the morning. It is why we tend to schedule of hyperglycemic patients for morning appointments. In the case of elevated blood sugar in these instances, we offer stress relief techniques, like headphones.

For invasive treatment, anesthesia is necessary. For patients with diabetes, anesthesia has to be applied with additional care. Here in Seattle, we always have the patient in mind and use anesthesia without vasoconstrictors, especially for patients with uncontrolled diabetes. One other technique is to utilize glucocorticosteroids, but this has to be conducted with extreme care. These substances carry the potential to dangerously increase blood glucose levels.

When it comes to dental hygiene, we always recommend our diabetes patients they should take all the precautions all other patients use, but with additional advice. For example, patients with high caries rate will undergo fluoride therapy and, if needed, xerostomia treatment as well. Diabetic patients usually suffer from an elevated response to the plaque. It is why try to promote high levels of meticulous oral hygiene. If you happen to be a diabetic with dental issues, come and visit the Seattle Holistic dentists for a quick, painless and effective solution.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes for short, is a global illness, with almost 415 million people afflicted. There are three main types: Type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. All of them are tightly connected to insulin, a hormone which regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. While type 1 diabetes is a consequence of the pancreas’ failure to produce enough insulin, type 2 is based on insulin resistance. It is because the cells cannot respond to insulin in the right way and are mostly due to excessive body weight. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women.

Insulin is very important for a healthy human body. It is a crucial hormone which acts as a regulator of glucose or blood sugar. The level of glucose in the blood cannot oscillate greatly; in fact, very small changes in blood glucose levels can lead to serious consequences. Diabetes patients need to be very careful and regularly take insulin shots so they can regulate the level of sugar in their blood system. But how can signs found in your teeth and your mouth be connected with diabetes? Keep reading and find out what Seattle holistic dentists have to say.

Usual symptoms which can be connected with diabetes

One of the first symptoms you can notice yourself is an excessively dry mouth. Diabetes leads to frequent trips to the toilet, which can, in turn, lead to rapid dehydration. A dry mouth is a result of dehydration. Of course, a dry mouth can indicate much more benign issues, so there is no reason to panic. Physical exercise, various medical treatments, damaged salivary glands or even chewing tobacco – all of these cause a dry mouth. Come down to visit your Seattle dentists, and we will look into the causes of your dry mouth.

Next, a lack of saliva means that your mouth does not have the necessary lubricant needed to clear away the debris after your lunch. It can lead to a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. If you feel like you have bad breath, and especially if it can be described as fruity and rotten, you should come for a check-up. We will also look for any signs of gum disease, another symptom which can indicate diabetes due to dryness of your mouth.