Dental Q&A

Q: As someone with diabetes, how often should I see my dentist?

A: It is very important to visit your dentist immediately for a general mouth, face and neck examination, if you have not done so already. The general school of thought is for individuals to visit their dentists at least twice a year. Persons with diabetes may need to see their dentists more times during the course of a year. The actual number will be determined by your dentist. This is because diabetes can affect your saliva; teeth and supporting structure; your mouth’s healing capacity; and your taste in a bad way. It is the job of the dentist to work closely with you, in order to solve or prevent any mouth problems that may arrive. It will not be possible to do that during only two visits in a year.

 Q: Why is it important to have good oral hygiene?

A: It is very important because the mouth is part of the head and the head is part of the body, so it would stand to reason, that a sick mouth can cause a sick head, that can then cause a sick body. Science has now made many connections and correlations between the health of the mouth and that of the body. Sick mouths are now known to be connected to heart disease, lung disease and diabetes. These are just three that I have highlighted; there are many others. Creating and maintaining a healthy mouth is therefore very important.