Diabetes & Your Oral Health

Living with diabetes presents unique challenges, but many people overlook one crucial aspect of their health journey – their mouth. As dental professionals providing oral health in Powell, TN, we’ve observed a significant connection between blood sugar management and dental wellness that deserves more attention.
Call 865-685-9939 today to schedule a checkup at My Family Dentistry.
The Sugar & Gum Connection
Think of your mouth as the front line of your body’s defense system. When diabetes disrupts your blood sugar levels, it’s like leaving the castle gate open for unwanted invaders. The excess glucose in your saliva becomes a feast for harmful bacteria, leading to a cascade of dental problems that can spiral out of control if left unchecked.
Reading Your Mouth’s Warning Signals
Your body has a remarkable way of sending distress signals. For diabetics, the mouth often waves these red flags:
- Gums that bleed easily, similar to a paper cut that won’t heal
- A persistent metallic taste that wasn’t there before
- Gums feeling spongy or pulling back from teeth
- Changes in how your teeth come together when you bite
- Chronic dry mouth that water just can’t seem to fix
Today’s dental care has evolved far beyond the basic “drill and fill” approach. For our diabetic patients seeking oral health in Powell, TN, we employ sophisticated treatment strategies.
We start with the gentle yet effective removal of harmful buildup. We track your gum health progress, and come up with a treatment plan tailored to your unique diabetic condition.
Your Daily Defense Strategy
Think of managing your oral health like maintaining a garden – it requires daily attention and the right tools:
- Master the art of strategic brushing (morning and night, no excuses!)
- Make friends with your water bottle to combat dry mouth
- Choose diabetes-friendly mouth rinses without alcohol
- Embrace sugar-free gum to boost saliva production naturally
Smart Choices, Healthier Mouth
Your grocery list can be your strongest ally or your worst enemy. Consider these mouth-friendly choices:
- Crunchy vegetables that naturally clean teeth while you eat
- Protein-rich foods that help repair gum tissue
- Foods high in omega-3s to fight inflammation
- Sugar alternatives that don’t feed harmful bacteria
Success in managing diabetes and oral health also requires a coordinated effort. When seeking oral health in Powell, TN, look for professionals (like us) who understand the diabetes-dental connection and work collaboratively with your other healthcare providers. This teamwork approach can make the difference between merely treating symptoms and achieving lasting health improvements.
Your Next Move
Here’s a sobering thought: every hour you wait to address dental concerns while living with diabetes is like giving bacteria a head start in a race you can’t afford to lose.
But there’s good news. Taking action today can dramatically improve your tomorrow.
The path to better health doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a comprehensive dental evaluation to establish your baseline. From there, we can create a personalized plan that works with your diabetes management strategy, not against it.
Remember, your mouth tells a story about your overall health. Make sure it’s telling the right one.
Call 865-685-9939 to make an appointment in Powell, TN. Or you can simply schedule online.

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Read MoreWhy People Love My Family Dentistry
Been going for years. Love the staff and care.
My Family Dentistry is an outstanding dental practice. The dentists, hygienists, and ancillary staff are all friendly, professional, and patient focused. Nicole, one of the hygienists, cleaned my teeth today ...
Read MoreThis is Rob’s wife, Sandy. My experience with My Family Dentistry was a great one! Dr Mullins and his staff were very thorough and helpful!
From the front office, into Nicole’s room & With Dr.Sy Anthony to check my teeth & then to check out, it was a very nice experience. Everyone made me so ...
Read MoreThe service is amazing. I’m not afraid of going to the dentist, if you are you won’t be here. Dr. I Wesley Mullins was numbing me for a procedure and ...
Read MoreWent for fillings yesterday morning on 2 eroded teeth. Excellent service, answered all my questions about the composite material used, quickly completed a good, functional bite surface—and I was out ...
Read MoreMy most recent visit to My Family Dentistry was a blessing! Taylor is my hygienist and is always so gentle and thorough! Dr. Mullins and his entire staff do a ...
Read MoreMy experience was very good on my visit. It was just a semi-annual cleaning, and the dental hygienist was ready for most almost as soon as I arrived. Her cleaning ...
Read MoreNew patient experience! Very courteous and friendly staff and they were so conscientious and thorough. I have found my new dental provider, My Family Dentistry!
First impressions are stellar! Looking forward to going to the dentist now! Prior dentist office was cold, impersonal and did not seem to care if I was their client or ...
Read MoreMy first visit after looking up the nearest dentist to me and I couldn't be any more pleased. Very friendly and professional.
Wonderful Great great staff
I was extremely nervous going into my appointment…. Already a nervous patient and going to a new office where I didn’t know anyone had my anxiety off the charts. Nicole ...
Read MoreOk updating my review. I cannot say enough good about this place!! Dr Wes and staff are wonderful. I came in a few years back not even wanting to smile, ...
Read MoreDr. Anthony continues to take great care of me. I've been to see him twice this year outside of my routine cleaning for minor emergencies and both times the staff ...
Read MoreThe entire staff at My Family Dentistry have always been very professional, pleasant, and personable. Nicole is very professional and gives excellent care and treatment. She is excellent at putting ...
Read MoreGoing through the dentist is often described as an unpleasant necessity but the professionals at My Family Dentistry work to change that perception. They are pleasant to be with and ...
Read Morethey took the time to explain everything. Quick and painless
Such a friendly place .You are made to feel very comfortable.
Very friendly and caring staff. Doctors are outstanding. The entire office is great.
Everyone is very polite. The facility is very clean.
New Updated review on “My Family Dentistry” in Powell Tn. It’s been 2 years since becoming a patient. I can say, this is a 5 Star outstanding Dental Practice!.Dr Mullins ...
Read MoreI always get excellent service at Dr Mullins’ office from the hygienist to Dr Mullins himself. I have been a patient for over 9 years ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great doctor, friendly and professional staff.
I had a wonderful visit at MyFamilyDentistry. Dr. Anthony and his staff are truly the best—so kind, patient, and understanding. They’ve helped me overcome my fears and actually made going ...
Read MoreI am thankful to have found this dental office while searching for where to go years ago. I truly enjoy going to my appointments, the employees and all staff have ...
Read MoreEveryone at My Family Dentistry is amazing! We have never had a bad experience. Even dealing with extractions and braces!
Great experience!! Great staff with a friendly environment!!
Friendly Attentive Professionals Clear on needs, options, choices Welcome questions Felt very comfortable start to finish One one for me
My teeth are very happy and I can not believe the improvement! My teeth line up again! A million Thanks!!!!
Always an excellent session with Laura.
Always a pleasure seeing the people here! Dr Mullins and staff are great and a pleasure to deal with
Very friendly environment and attentive to all my needs!
I've had excellent service from Dr. Mullins and his staff. He's been my dentist since 2015, and in that time he and his staff seem like family.
Dr.Mullins was excellent
I always have a very pleasant experience even though I get a little anxious . I am starting a dental plan hoping to repair some of my dental issues . ...
Read MoreEveryone here is so nice and helpful! They make you feel very comfortable.
I would recommend My Family Dentistery for any of your dental needs great place nice staff.
Fantastic staff! I was educated on procedures needed and recommended for my kids.
First time appointment for me! Had dentists issues in the past. " Very Impressed " with Dr. Anthony and his staff. They really care and make you feel at ease. ...
Read MoreFirst visit and both staff and Dentist were excellent. We reviewed my dental issues and now have a plan in place to address my concerns. Would recommend them to anyone ...
Read MoreStaff is outstanding!!! I've never been excited about going to the dentist, but with wonderful staff and great equipment, it's always a good experience. I've highly recommended My Family Dentistry ...
Read MoreThank to Humana I was send to "My Family Dentistry" and I'm so glad and happy with all of their honesty and service, the super friendly staff and doctors. - ...
Read MoreFirst meeting Dr. Mullins. I was very impressed with both him and his staff.
Wonderful practice and staff. Highly recommended.
I HAVE BEEN A PATIENT FOR 17 YEARS. THE STAFF AND DOCTORS ARE PROFESSIONAL AND CARING. GREAT TO KNOW THEM ALL.
5-29-25: My experience was great. Taylor is very personable and did a good job cleaning my implants. Dr. Anthony was very nice. I would recommend My Family Dentistry. 2024?: My ...
Read MoreCONTINUE TO HIGHLY RECOMMEND! DR Sy and Staff are PROFESSIONAL, PROFICIENT and FRIENDLY/COMPASSIONATE. OFFICE is extremely CLEAN. I cannot ask for more.
there are dentists, and Comprehensive Dentistry, and then there is My Family Dentistry. Far past just comprehensive, and with the most advanced equipment, friendly and properly trained staff, an amazing ...
Read MoreMt first visit with this office and I found the staff to be very pleasant from the front office to Nicole my hygienist and the dentist I saw Sy Anthony. ...
Read MoreSuper nice and professional
very gentle and thorough. very nice people and a good experience all around.
Friendly staff, very thorough exam at my 1st appt. Beautiful facility.
Last appointment was with my hygienist. She was excellent! Very professional, very thorough, and down right very friendly. 5 STARS!
Always made comfortable! Always well informed and treated. I always feel personally cared for. I highly recommend My Family Dentistry for you and your family. Also enjoying their new facilities!
Excellent & so are all the staff that work in his office.
Wonderful, friendly, caring, and competent. Awesome as always.
My Family Dentistry is absolutely the best. Everyone associated are the nicest people and really do make you feel like Family. Love Dr. Mullins, he is a wonderful dentist and ...
Read MoreMy first visit went really well. Staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and professional.
Good explanations and friendly atmosphere. I would recommend them because of my most recent visit.
The Best
Extremely courteous and friendly, very knowledgeable and very thorough. Excited for my next appointment.
Would certainly recommend!
I love my dentist and everyone that works there. Great placd
Having recently moved to TN from VA, it was hard to find a new dentist. I was extremely pleased with My Family Dentistry. They were very thorough, explained everything they ...
Read MoreI had a very pleasant experience at My Family Dentistry. The hygienist was very pleasant, and did a thorough job of cleaning my teeth.
Wonderful staff. Would recommend to anyone. Knowledgeable about aspects of dental care. Very caring and informative!!
I've been seeing Dr. Mullins and his wonderful staff for over a decade. Taylor, RDH, does an excellent job! Would highly recommend.
Dr. Mullins has done a lot of work on my teeth for me. He’s a great dentist and takes personal pride in his work. I have been seeing Dr.Mullins for ...
Read MoreI have bad dental anxiety and Dr Mullins helped relieve that. He was very patient and great at what he does. He has earned my trust and my family as ...
Read MoreExceptional staff from the moment I walked in the door until I left! I was treated very well and thoroughly examined… I can’t wait to return for a couple of ...
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Read MoreMy Family Dentistry is Top Notch! I am so pleased to know that I have Dr. Mullins and his wonderful staff available for any dental needs that I might have. ...
Read MoreHad a cleaning with X-rays this time, no visit from dentist. Very satisfied as always, she does an awesome job I am just terrible with names!!
I got great service. Great place Very good dentist and excellency staff.
Extensive procedures have been done by Dr Mullins. I am very pleased with the results. I do highly recommend him. Once again I have had excellent dental care from Dr. ...
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