My child has diabetes, am I responsible for his oral health?

If your child has diabetes, be sure to inform your dentist. It is during childhood when oral health care is especially important, as the teeth are still developing. People with diabetes are at greater risk for oral health problems. Your dentist may recommend more frequent evaluations in order to keep an eye for any oral health problems and ensure good oral health.

 Parents have a responsibility for their child's oral health, especially if they have diabetes. If your child has toothache, you need to find out why right away. Is there a piece of food stuck between teeth? Is it a loose baby tooth on its way out? If you can’t find a reason for your child's dental pain you should see a dentist.

It's expected that babies and young children may experience some pain as their baby teeth emerge and as they begin to lose their baby teeth at 6 or 7 years. They may also suffer pain when food is stuck. Parents can usually help their children by removing the offending object.

However, if your child suffers complications losing their baby teeth, or you just can't remove that piece of food, arrange a visit to your dentist..

Depending on the severity of toothache, your dentist may recommend you take your child to the emergency room where there is a dentist on call. Your dentist or doctor will ask if your child's blood sugar is being properly controlled because this could increase their risk for oral infections.

Toothaches may be caused by cavities that have caused infection of  the tooth and surrounding tissues.

It is vital that parents, guardians, caregivers, and even babysitters, make sure children know how to take care of their teeth.