Can Diabetics Qualify for Professional Teeth Whitening?

Everyone desires whiter teeth for a more attractive smile. However, not all people can have their teeth whitened professionally. Some individuals with diabetes may not qualify for professional teeth whitening. Others can have their teeth whitened without issues at the family dentistry in Phoenix, AZ. Read on for more on teeth whitening for people with diabetes.

Why Some People with Diabetes Do Not Qualify for Professional Teeth Whitening

1. Gum infections

Diabetes affects the health of your gums and teeth. If you have diabetes, the blood supply to your gums reduces. Gums, therefore, become more susceptible to bacteria and infection. In addition, teeth whitening products contain agents that may irritate or burn your gums. The peroxide used at the dentist’s office is more concentrated than in over-the-counter products.

Most people argue that the peroxide will expose your gums to infections. They, therefore, prefer using over-the-counter products with less concentrated agents. However, this issue can be resolved at the family dentistry in Phoenix, AZ. The dentist will perform the whitening procedure skillfully and cautiously to avoid harming your gums.

2. Dry mouth

Diabetics also suffer from dry mouth because their saliva production is low. So, you may experience prolonged teeth sensitivity. This is because your teeth will not re-hydrate fast after the treatment. Your dentist addresses this problem by carrying out fluoride treatments after the procedure.

Teeth Whitening Procedure

The first step in a teeth whitening procedure for diabetics is communication. Your dentist and general physician must coordinate for a successful smile makeover. The physician will ensure that blood sugar levels are under control before the procedure.

Poor blood sugar control increases the risk for gum problems. On the other hand, good blood sugar control helps your body fight bacterial infections in the mouth. It will also help relieve dry mouth. So the dental work will be scheduled when your body has the greatest chance of healing quickly.

Once your dentist determines that it is safe to proceed, a professional dental cleaning occurs. This will help eliminate superficial stains and brighten your teeth a shade or two. This stage is crucial as it contributes to lowering your blood sugar levels.

Next, the dentist will examine your mouth. It involves checking for areas where your gums are likely to be easily irritated. The expert will show you a whitening guide to help you note your current tooth color. You will then choose a safely achievable shade.

A cheek-re-tractor is placed in your mouth to expose your teeth for treatment. It also protects your cheeks from whitening agents. Your dentist will apply a protective resin over your gums. It keeps them from being irritated during the process.

Bleaching agents with safe amounts of peroxide are applied to your teeth and left for some time. Then, depending on individual issues, a laser or UV light may or may not be used to intensify the results.

The dentist will treat your teeth with fluoride for patients with severe dry mouth. It promotes re-hydration and mineralization, thus, reducing teeth sensitivity. The professional may also prescribe a fluoride gel to keep your teeth healthy at home.

After the cosmetic dentistry procedure, stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet. Our dentist at Arizona Family Dentistry recommends eating foods that promote saliva creation. They include carrots, apples, celery, and fresh vegetables. Eat also foods rich in Vitamin C to help prevent gum infections.

Tips for Better Dental Health

Diabetics have a higher chance of developing dental problems. This is because uncontrolled diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels. Sugar encourages dental plaque to grow. This plaque leads to gum disease and teeth decay. It is, therefore, necessary for diabetics to be proactive concerning dental health. Some tips to aid you to protect your dental health are:

• Ensure that your blood sugar levels remain controlled as much as possible.
• Do not neglect your daily oral hygiene. Brush your teeth properly twice daily and floss once a day.
• Attend all scheduled appointments by your family dentist. Good oral health can help control diabetes.
• Immediately contact an emergency dentist near you once you notice problems with your gums and teeth.
• Communicate with your dentist anytime your physician switches your diabetes medication. This enables the dentist to take necessary precautions with your dental health.