How Does Diabetes Affect Your Oral Health?

Diabetes is a chronic illness that impacts how your body converts the food you eat into energy. It can affect various parts of the body since it affects the process of sugar or glucose in the body. Individuals having diabetes have a higher risk of developing oral health issues. Diabetes can also cause your mouth to get dry and attract fungal infections, thrush, soreness, ulcers, and tooth decay.

If you have diabetes, you need to take care of your teeth. By keeping your diabetes in control, you can prevent gum disease and other infections in your mouth.

A] What Is The Relationship Between Oral Diseases And Diabetes? 

Diabetes is a chronic condition known for high blood sugar levels due to problems with insulin production or insulin resistance. When blood sugar isn’t well managed, it weakens white blood cells, which are responsible for defending the body against bacterial infections in the mouth. 

Diabetes can have a significant impact on oral health, increasing the risk of various oral diseases and complications. The association between diabetes and oral health problems is primarily attributed to high blood sugar levels. 

For people who aren’t aware, there are two types of diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels whereas Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. 

High blood sugar levels in diabetes can lead to oral health issues because they can cause damage to blood vessels, impair immune function, and increase inflammation. Inflammation and impaired immune function can contribute to oral health problems such as periodontal disease and thrush. Though Impaired immune function can make it harder for the body to fight off infections, such as thrush, which is more common in people with diabetes.

B] Diabetes And Common Oral Health Problems

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can increase the risk of various oral health problems. High blood sugar levels in diabetes can weaken the body’s immune system, making it more susceptible to infections. The following are some of the most common oral health problems associated with diabetes:

• Dry Mouth: Also called xerostomia, this is a condition where unmanaged diabetes produces less saliva flow in your mouth. When you have a dry mouth, the bacteria in your mouth can thrive and cause problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and infections.
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease: This is an infection that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar and irritate your gums. Periodontal disease and diabetes often go parallel.
• Gum abscesses: These are pockets of pus that form in the gums and are caused by bacterial infection, often as a complication of periodontal disease. Gum abscesses can be painful and can lead to tooth loss if they are not treated.
• Tooth Decay: When the bacteria in your mouth produce acids, it attacks the enamel of your teeth. Over time, the acids can cause the enamel to break down, forming cavities. Because of high blood sugar levels diabetes and cavities can weaken the enamel of their teeth. You can also get a tooth decay treatment depending on the severity of the condition.
• Oral fungal infections: These infections are caused by fungi and can occur in the mouth, throat, and other parts of the body. Oral fungal infections are more common in people with diabetes because high blood sugar levels can create a hospitable environment for fungi to grow.
• Oral lichen planus: This is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the mucous membrane of the mouth. It can cause white or red patches on the tongue, gums, and other parts of the mouth. Oral lichen planus is not contagious and is not a serious condition, but it can be painful and unsightly.
• Mouth Ulcers: Ulcers are small, painful sores that can occur in the mouth. Mouth ulcers in diabetes are caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, and vitamin deficiencies. People with diabetes have a high chance of developing ulcers due to high blood sugar levels which can weaken the immune system.
• Dysgeusia: This is a condition where people experience a different taste of the same food. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including medications, certain medical conditions, and ageing. People with diabetic tongue are more likely to experience taste disturbances because high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that control taste.
• Bad breath: When there is an increase in bacteria in the mouth, it forms bad breath. People with diabetes are more likely to have bad breath because high blood sugar levels can create a hospitable environment for bacteria to grow. 

C] Oral Care Tips For People With Diabetes

Finding the perfect family dentist in Sunshine Coast to manage blood glucose levels is the key to controlling and preventing oral health problems. People with poor blood glucose control get diabetes and gum disease more often and more severely than people whose diabetes is well-controlled. 

Recently, a comprehensive study showed an association between OLP with DM indicating the potential link between these two conditions. Here are some practical oral care tips to follow while managing diabetes:

• Brush your teeth twice a day and make sure you use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. 
• Brush only after 30 minutes of your meal to protect the tooth enamel that might be softened by the acid in the food. 
• To remove the plaque under your gum line and between your teeth, floss at least once a day.
• If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed easily, see your dentist. These may be signs of gum disease.
• Quit Smoking, since it damages the gums and makes them more susceptible to infection.
• Maintain a healthy diet, it can help to keep your blood sugar levels under control, which can help to protect your oral health.
• If you wear dentures or removable bridgework, ensure you clean them thoroughly every day.

D] The Role of Dental Professionals

Dental professionals play a vital role in the overall health of people with diabetes. By working together with healthcare providers, they help to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral health problems that are more common in people with diabetes.

Here are some specific ways how we dentist in Sunshine Coast help people with diabetes:

• Identify potential signs of diabetes while performing routine oral exams.
• Treat oral health problems early on, before they become serious.
• Provide oral hygiene instructions and products.
• Helps to manage pain and discomfort associated with oral health problems.
• Educate individuals about the importance of good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
• Provide professional cleanings, scaling, and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease

You must inform your dentist if you have diabetes. This will help them to provide the appropriate medications and the right treatment. The dentist will ask about blood sugar levels and how well you are managing your diabetes to prevent any side effects.

E] Prevention And Early Detection

Healthy oral care can lead to better overall health outcomes, especially for people with diabetes. This is because oral health is closely linked to overall health. By taking care of your oral health, you can help to improve your overall health and well-being.

Here are some of the benefits of proactive oral care for people with diabetes:

• Reduced risk of gum disease. 
• Improved blood sugar control.
• Reduced risk of infection.
• Improved quality of life. 

By following the above tips, you can prevent oral health problems and improve your overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

Oral health is one area where diabetes can have a significant impact. People with diabetes have a higher chance of developing periodontal disease, which can lead to pain, bad breath, chewing difficulties, and even tooth loss. Diabetes and tooth decay can also cause dryness in the mouth, which can lead to soreness, ulcers, and infections.

If you have diabetes and are concerned about your oral health, it is essential to contact your trusted doctor or dentist. They can provide you with personalized advice on how to maintain good oral health and prevent oral health problems. Regular dental check-ups, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, and keeping blood glucose levels in the target range are essential for preventing oral health problems in people with diabetes. In case you have any doubts, feel free to contact us.

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