Rootz Dental Care and Implant Center: Oral problems in diabetic patients

DIABETES AND YOUR SMILE

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. All food you eat is turned to sugar and used for energy. Diabetes result in high blood sugar levels, which can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body.

So what does this have to do with that smile of yours — and how can you protect it? First, it’s important to understand the signs of diabetes and the role they play in your mouth.

Symptoms of Untreated Diabetes

The warning signs of diabetes affect every part of your body. After a blood test, you may be told by a doctor that you have high blood sugar. You may feel excessively thirsty or have to urinate a lot. Weight loss and fatigue are other common symptoms. Diabetes can also cause you to lose consciousness if your blood sugar falls too low.

If diabetes is left untreated, it can take a toll on your mouth as well. Here's how:

You may have less saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry. (Dry mouth is also caused by certain medications.)
Because saliva protects your teeth, you’re also at a higher risk of cavities.
Gums may become inflamed and bleed often (gingivitis).
You may have problems tasting food.
You may experience delayed wound healing.
You may be susceptible to infections inside your mouth.
For children with diabetes, teeth may erupt at an age earlier than is typical.

Gum Disease

ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS

People with diabetes are at a higher risk for gumproblems because of poor blood sugar control. Gum disease is harder to control because you are more susceptible to infections and are less able to fight the bacteria invading the gums.If gum disease becomes more severe, the tissues that supports your teeth can break down, leading to tooth loss. Early gum disease can be reversed with proper brushing, flossing and diet.

Dry Mouth

DRY MOUTH

People with diabetes have less saliva, so you might find yourself feeling parched or extra thirsty.Fight dry mouth by drinking water. You can also chew sugarless gum and eat healthy, crunchy foods to get saliva flowing. This is especially important because extra sugar in your saliva, combined with less saliva can lead to cavities.

Infections

ORAL THRUSH

Diabetes affects your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infection. One common among people with diabetes is a yeast infection called oral thrush (candidiasis). It looks like a white layer coating your tongue and the insides of your cheeks. Thrush is more common in people who wear dentures and can often leave a bad taste in your mouth. See your dentist if you think you have thrush or any other mouth infection.

Slow Healing

COLD SORES

Have you ever noticed a cold sore or a cut in your mouth that doesn’t quite seem to go away? This can be another way that diabetes may affect your mouth. Poor control of blood sugar can keep injuries from healing quickly and properly. If you have something in your mouth that you feel isn’t healing as it should, see your dentist.

How Your Dentist Can Help You Fight Diabetes

Regular dental visits are important. Research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in patients living with diabetes, decreasing the progression of the disease. Practicing good oral hygiene and having professional deep cleanings done by your dentist can help to lower your HbA1c. (This is a lab test that shows your average level of blood sugar over the previous three months. It indicates how well you are controlling your diabetes.)

Your Diabetes Dental Health Action Plan

Teamwork involving self-care and professional care from your dentist will be beneficial in keeping your healthy smile as well as potentially slowing progression of diabetes. Here are five oral health-related things you can do to for optimal wellness:

Control your blood sugar levels. Use your diabetes-related medications as directed, changing to a healthier diet and even exercising more can help. Good blood sugar control will also help your body fight any bacterial or fungal infections in your mouth and help relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.
Avoid smoking.
If you wear any type of denture, clean it each day.
Make sure to brush twice a day with a soft brush and clean between your teeth daily
See your dentist for regular checkups.