Are Dental Veneers Suitable for People with Diabetes?
Veneers are an effective cosmetic treatment for multiple dental imperfections. But, for people with diabetes, the decision to have veneers or another cosmetic dentistry procedure will depend on the condition of your teeth and oral health. Before our Phoenix dentist recommends dental veneers, he will first do a comprehensive assessment to check your blood sugar and health problems.
What Are the Dental Problems Affecting People with Diabetes?
Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar, which has been reported to affect your oral health. Too much glucose in your blood can cause infection and other dental problems.
- Gum disease and decay
The bacteria in the oral cavity feed on sugar, and when you have glucose in your saliva, it will support the growth of the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria will combine with the food and form a sticky film, known as plaques. Accumulation of plaques increases your risk of decay and cavities.
Furthermore, high blood sugar changes blood vessels and makes them thicker. Thickened vessels, in turn, will reduce the flow of nutrients and also the removal of waste materials. This will weaken the gums and bones and puts you at risk of developing an infection. On the other hand, untreated gum disease can trigger a rise in your blood sugar and make it hard to control diabetes.
Gum disease can cause red, swollen, and bleeding gums, and when you notice these symptoms, it is vital to visit an emergency dentist in 85043.
- Dry mouth
Dry mouth can also occur in people with diabetes and it can increase your risk of decay. Saliva cleans and removes the food particles in the mouth. When you have a low production of saliva will affect this function and causes the accumulation of food particles and plaques in the mouth.
- Oral thrush
High blood sugar can cause oral thrushes like a sore mouth, cracked lips, and oral bleeding. These problems can affect anyone, but when you have diabetes, they may occur more frequently. This can affect the condition of your oral health and put you at risk of developing an infection. It is vital to visit your family dentist in Phoenix, AZ, for an assessment if you notice an oral thrush.
Can Dental Veneers Help?
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that cover the front part of the teeth to change the shape, color, size, and appearance of the teeth. The dentist can recommend dental veneers if you have discolored, worn down, cracked, chipped, and irregularly shaped teeth.
Veneers are a non-invasive dental procedure and as such as be ideal for people with diabetes with healthy teeth and gums. You will, however, need a little enamel reshaping to make it easy for the veneers to bond.
When Are the Veneers Not Recommended?
Veneers are not a great idea if you have unhealthy teeth with decay and active gum disease. The dentist may recommend other dental treatments and take the necessary precaution to prevent any other damage to your teeth and gums.
You may also not be a candidate for veneers if you have weakened teeth, don’t have enough enamel, or have bruxism (clenching and grinding of the teeth).
What Can You Expect During Your Veneer Procedure?
The dental veneers need at least two dental visits and it involves several steps. You will, however, need a comprehensive dental assessment more detailed than the other patients. The dentist will first prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel and take a cast of the teeth. Next, he will cover the reshaped teeth with temporary veneers to protect against sensitivity. After a couple of weeks, you will come back to have the permanent veneers fixed.
How Can You Maintain Oral Hygiene?
You can maintain your oral hygiene by using these tips:
- Keep your blood sugar close to the target levels by eating a proper diet and taking the necessary precautions to lower blood glucose.
- Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush using small circular motions.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Arizona Family Dentistry for more information if you have noticed bleeding gums and oral thrush for an assessment and treatment.