You are probably aware that high blood sugar can gradually damage the nerves, eyes, heart and kidneys. But do you know that it can affect your teeth and gums in the same way? There is a link between oral health and diabetes. People with uncontrolled blood sugar often cannot maintain their oral health.
Oral Health Deterioration Rate is High
There are numerous symptoms of diabetes that affect various parts of the body. Fatigue, weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination are common symptoms. Low blood sugar levels can cause unconsciousness. In the case of these symptoms, doctors recommend that patients have a blood test to detect their blood sugar levels.
High glucose level in the blood begins to negatively affect oral health. It can cause problems in the jaw, gums, teeth, tongue and even inside the cheeks.
Oral conditions you may encounter while having diabetes;
Dry Mouth
Patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes often suffer from dry mouth, possibly due to high blood sugar. Some diabetes medications trigger the same thing. This way, your doctor will be able to diagnose the cause and prescribe medication.
2.BMS Burning Mouth Syndrome
BMS is a common condition in diabetic individuals over the age of 60. As the name suggests, people suffering from BMS may experience pain, tingling or burning sensation in the mouth.
Women are more prone to this condition. Patients often experience the same thing with dry mouth.
Your doctor or dentist can make the same diagnosis after examining the mouth. Patients may have to have blood tests, oral swabs, salivary flow tests, or allergy tests according to the doctor’s advice. In some cases, the dentist may recommend a tissue biopsy.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Because diabetes weakens the immune system, the body’s ability to fight bacteria is affected. Therefore, the risk of gum disease remains higher for such individuals. Uncontrolled bacterial growth in the mouth results in plaque. It sneaks under the gumline and grows larger to turn into tartar. Ignoring the same can cause swollen and bleeding gums.
Patients who care about flossing and brushing can control the side effects of gum disease.
If a diabetic person is unable to prevent tartar formation, gum disease can cause further gingivitis.
From Gum Disease to Gum Inflammation
Gum disease becomes more difficult to control because diabetic people need longer time to heal from infections.
Then comes the real problem in the form of gingivitis. Inflamed, red, swollen or bleeding gums indicate urgency. If left untreated, the condition worsens and turns into periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, causing pockets of bacteria and plaque. If left untreated, the condition worsens and turns into periodontitis.
The infection can quickly spread below the gumline and break down the bone holding the teeth, causing tooth loss. Your dentist or periodontist can treat the condition with medication and, if necessary, minor surgery.
Thrush in the Mouth
Oral candidiasis or oral thrush is a yeast infection that causes visible symptoms in the mouth and lips. Bleeding or redness and white patches in various parts of the mouth are common symptoms of this condition. Visible cracks develop on the lip edges. Some patients feel a bad taste in the mouth.
Thrush occurs along with dry mouth when diabetic individuals are unable to control their blood sugar levels. Infection is contagious. Your dentist or doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to control the infection. However, it is very important to maintain blood sugar levels.
Caries Formation
Diabetes also leads to an increase in salivary glucose levels. Yes, you guessed it right, the glucose in saliva helps bad bacteria multiply. They combine with food particles to form plaque. Cavities become common when plaque on the teeth starts to build up.
Longer Recovery Time
It is common knowledge that diabetes causes slower healing. Therefore, patients need a longer time to recover after undergoing invasive dental procedures.
Dentists also need to prescribe stronger antibiotics to prevent infection at the surgical site.
Diabetic Dental Care
The first and most important step is to keep blood sugar levels under control. Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding nutrition.
.Depending on your oral health, your dentist may recommend an anti-gingivitis or anti-plaque mouthwash, which is ideal for preventing gum disease.
.Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth twice a day. Fluoride-based products help control tooth decay.
.Brushing teeth should be the first thing in the morning and the last thing before going to sleep.
.Brush after eating something starchy or sugary. Gently brush your teeth in small circular motions, preferably with a soft toothbrush.
.A new toothbrush with excellent bristles can remove more plaque. Therefore, u. Replace after a month.
.Want to control the buildup of plaque between the cavities in your teeth? Try flossing once a day.
