Your Orthodontic Treatment And American Diabetes Month In November

November is American Diabetes Month. Diabetes affects over 20 million Americans in the United States, so there is a good chance that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and you have diabetes at the same time. If this is you, then there are special considerations to keep in mind as you continue to care for the health of your teeth while having orthodontic work on your teeth at the same time. You can read more about diabetes here on the American Diabetes Association’s website.
Whether you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, or not, it’s important to maintain proper dental care if you have diabetes. Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of gum disease and oral infections because they have increased bacterial production. This higher production rate is from higher glucose levels in saliva. Patients with diabetes also typically have less saliva, higher levels of sugar in oral fluids and loss of gum tissue.
During your orthodontic treatment it’s important for patients with diabetes to:

• Ensure that you are properly navigating your braces and other orthodontic treatments to prevent gum disease. Brush at least two times a day and floss one time per day.
• Control your blood glucose.
• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Stop smoking.
• Regularly exercise and control your diet.

If your orthodontics that you are utilizing suddenly do not fit right or if your gums are sore, be sure to contact Broad Street Braces. We want to ensure that all of our patients’ mouths are healthy and free from infection during your orthodontic treatment.