Checklist Before You Visit Your Dentist

We have many customers asking us what they need to do before visiting a dentist. Here’s a quick list:

1. Let your dentist know if you have diabetes, and medicines you take to manage your blood glucose levels. 

2. Make sure you have a regular meal before you visit a dentist. Normal blood glucose levels are good for dental work. 

3. If you take medicines, take them before your dental visit unless advised otherwise. 

4. Once your dental work is done, have a normal meal. At times, you will have to eat soft or liquid foods. 

High Blood Glucose and Oral Health

Having high blood glucose has an adverse effect on all your organs. In this post, we specifically address two problems that are caused in the mouth due to high blood glucose.

1. Fungal infections: High blood glucose increases chances of fungal infections, such as thrush, in your mouth. This is presented as patches of white film or small red dots that are painful. 

2. Dry mouth: High blood glucose increases chances of dry mouth, where the mouth becomes dry due to reduced saliva flow. This condition will make you vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. 

In order to counter these potential problems, we advise you to manage your blood glucose levels by making healthy food choices and by regularly visiting your general health care provider. 

Why Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an important treatment option as they help you recover your natural smile. Moreover, there are three distinct advantages. 

1. Improved quality of life: With your new dental implants, you will be able to enjoy a wide varieties of foods again and you will be able to care for your implants just like natural teeth. You will also be free from messy dental adhesives. 

2. Appearance: Dental implants help prevent resorption of the bone and therefore preserve natural contours. 

3. Improved health: Dental implants improve your chewing abilities and therefore aid digestion.  

Results of Good Oral Hygiene

Developing and maintaining good oral hygiene has many benefits namely,

1. Mouth will look healthy and will be odourless. 

2. Teeth will look clean and be free of debris. 

3. Gums will be pink in colour and you will be free from pain or bleeding while you brush or floss your teeth. 

4. Mouth will be free from regular episodes of bad breath. 

5. There will be limited formation of plaque on your teeth. 

Using a Power Toothbrush

Power toothbrushes remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. Most power toothbrushes also have features that are designed to protect your teeth and gums. Here’s a quick guide to keep your teeth healthy and to keep your gums clean and pink. 

1. Guide the head of the brush from tooth to tooth by moving the brush head against each tooth for a few seconds. The mechanical movement of the brush provides the cleaning action. 

2. Gently guide the head of the brush along your gum line. While doing this, remember to follow the natural curve of your mouth. 

3. Sweep the head of the brush along your tongue to freshen your breath. 

If you have any doubts or questions, please ask your dentist or dental hygienist. 

Flossing Technique

Daily flossing removes plaque along your gumline and between your teeth. Flossing also greatly improves the health of your gums. However, it is important that you floss correctly to ensure effective cleaning. Here are a few tips:

1. Wind the floss around your middle fingers.

2. Using your thumbs and index fingers, guide the floss carefully between your teeth. 

3. Make a C shape around each tooth using the floss in order to get between your gums and teeth.

4. Use a mirror while you floss in order to see your mouth and the condition of your gums. Your gums should be firm and pink. 

Checklist for a Diabetic Patient’s Dental Visit

1. If you have diabetes, you should let your dental professional know along with all the medicines that you take. You should also advise if you have any trouble managing your blood glucose levels.

2. Make sure that you eat well before you visit your dentist. The best time for dental work is when blood glucose is in the normal range.

3. Unless advised otherwise, all usual medicines must be continued between dental treatments.

4. Unless advised otherwise, all meals should be taken normally after your dental appointment.

5. If you are suffering with uncontrolled diabetes, discuss this aspect with your dentist and your physician before starting any dental treatment.

Treating Periodontal Disease

Both gingivitis and periodontitis are treatable. However, treatment options for periodontitis are directly correlated to how advanced the condition is. We explain below:

Gingivitis is treated easily and with good results. Your oral health practitioner will ensure that your teeth are free from tartar. After the treatment, you will required to clean thoroughly everyday along with regular flossing. This will ensure that your gums stay firm and healthy. In the case of periodontitis, deposits from pockets around the affected teeth will need to be removed by scaling and root planing. 

Both gingivitis and periodontitis tend to recur if you go back to your old teeth cleaning and oral health maintenance habits. It is essential that you brush your teeth thoroughly and adopt the flossing technique that you have been shown. This will ensure that you keep your gum related problems away.