• Facebook Page:
  • Twitter:
  • Linked In:
  • YouTube:
Hours and Location:
859-291-8600
Monday: Noon-7PM 324 Greenup St
Tues thru Thurs: 8AM-5PM Covington, KY 41011

Oral Care for People with Diabetes

There are over 20 million people in the United States who have diabetes. And, due to increased bacterial production from higher glucose levels in saliva, diabetics often times have one of the highest rates of periodontal disease and oral infection. Other oral complications including bleeding gums, hard to heal mouth sores, tissue sensitivity, inflammation, bad breath, and dry mouth may also develop in a large number of people with Type I, Type II or gestational diabetes. These oral complications may become even more severe if the diabetes is not well maintained.

Why? Because people with diabetes...

  • Have less saliva.
  • Have higher sugar levels in their oral fluids.
  • Tend to lose collagen in the gum tissue hastening periodontal destruction.
  • Experience interference with nutrition and healing of gum tissues

In addition, many medications take by people with diabetes for hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and kidney disease also cause dry mouth as a major side effect. Therefore, it is important for diabetics to follow good oral hygiene habits and use products specifically formulated to relieve and treat these conditions.

Complete System for Management of Dry Mouth Problems Complete System for Management of Dry Mouth Problems

Dr. Applegate recommends Biotene Oral Care Products which are specifically formulated for people with diabetes.

Biotene's sugar-free formulas contain natural salivary enzymes. These antibacterial enzymes boost your saliva's ability to provide more effective protection against harmful microorganisms associated with gingivitis and oral irritations. Biotene does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent found in other toothpastes which can cause canker sores and irritate dry oral tissue. Naturally sweetened with Xylitol, Biotene also helps to fight cavities.

Quick Tips for Diabetics

If Your Mouth is Sore:

  • Take small bites of food, chew slowly and sip liquids with your meals.
  • Avoid foods that are hot, spicy, or high in acid, like citrus or juice, which irritate the mouth.
  • Avoid sharp, crunchy foods that could scrape or cut your mouth.
  • Avoid tobacco products and alcohol.

Other Points to Remember:

  • Blood Sugar levels must be kept as close to normal as possible.
  • Regular exercise and control of diet are extremely important.
  • Blood and urine tests will show if the disease is under control.
  • Poorly controlled diabetes can cause severe gum disease in young and old. Daily monitoring of your blood glucose levels is very important.
  • Have your teeth cleaned and checked at least every six months.

Call Dr. Applegate When:

  • Your gums bleed when you brush or eat.
  • Your gums are red, swollen or tender.
  • You notice any unexplained infection or sore area. 
  • You have persistent bad breath or taste in your mouth. 

Preventing Jaw and Headache Pain

When you wake up, do you feel fabulous? Or instead do you have a painful, aching jaw or sore sensitive teeth? Stiff neck? Tension headache? If you suffer from these problems you should know about a major breakthrough that will help stop headaches, sore jaw, stiff neck, and sensitive teeth.

Read More...

Toothbrush Care 101

Using a tooth brush to clean your teeth on a regular basis is a broadly practiced method of caring for your teeth. But with such an important job entrusted to it, your toothbrush needs care as well! For starters, did you know that your toothbrush can become contaminated with the same bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay? Do you know how often you should replace your toothbrush or how to store it properly?

Read More...

Pregnancy and Dental Health FAQ

It is especially important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. Studies indicate that pregnant women who have severe periodontal (gum) disease may be at increased risk for pre-term delivery, which in turn increases the risk of having a low birth weight baby.

Read More...

What is Periodontal Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater...

Read More...

Oral Care for People with Diabetes

There are over 20 million people in the United States who have diabetes. And, due to increased bacterial production from higher glucose levels in saliva, diabetics often times have one of the highest rates of periodontal disease and oral infection. Other oral complications including bleeding gums, hard to heal mouth sores, tissue sensitivity, inflammation, bad breath, and dry mouth may also develop in a large number of people with Type I, Type II or gestational diabetes. These oral complications...

Read More...

Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder, commonly known as TMJ, describes a condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Some estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans; the conditions appear to be more common in women than men.

Read More...

Child Dental Emergency Tips

When dental emergency situations arise that involve your child, here's some helpful tips on how to handle them:

Read More...

Cavities Are Not Just Kid Stuff

Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of periodontal (gum) disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay.

Read More...

Senior Oral Health

Incidences of tooth loss generally increases with age. Whether caring for natural teeth or dentures, seniors face a range of special oral concerns, including root decay and periodontal disease. You can keep your smile healthy by following a routine of proper oral care and making regular visits to your registered dental hygienist and dentist.

Read More...

Oral Cancer: Importance of Early Detection

We have good news about the progress against cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years.

Read More...

Contact Us

Barry Applegate859-291-8600
324 Greenup Street
Covington, KY 41011

  1. Your Name(*)
    Please let us know your name.
  2. Your Email(*)
    Please let us know your email address.
  3. Subject(*)
    Please write a subject for your message.
  4. Your Message(*)
    Please let us know your message.

  5. Invalid Input

Applegate Newsletter

Subscribe Here


Code:

Joomla : Dr Barry Applegate