Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, causing a range of complications that can impact various aspects of health, including oral health. The dental practice in Marysville backed by intense research has shown that there is a strong link between diabetes and oral health, with diabetics being more prone to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth.
In this article, we will explore the impact of diabetes on oral health, the reasons behind this connection, and what can be done to prevent and manage oral health issues in diabetics.
The connection between diabetes and oral health
The connection between diabetes and oral health is bidirectional, meaning that diabetes can affect oral health and vice versa. Here are some key aspects of this connection:
- High blood sugar levels: Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to increased glucose levels in saliva and plaque, feeding bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
- Inflammation: Diabetes can cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.
- Impaired healing: Diabetes can impair the body’s ability to heal, making it harder for the mouth to recover from oral health issues.
- Dry mouth: Diabetes can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which can increase the risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues.
- Medications: Certain diabetes medications can cause dry mouth or other oral health issues.
- Gum disease: Research suggests that gum disease may be a risk factor for developing diabetes and that treating gum disease may help improve blood sugar control.
- Oral infections: Diabetes can increase the risk of oral infections, which can worsen blood sugar control.
- Tooth loss: Diabetes can increase the risk of tooth loss, which can affect overall health and well-being.
- Shared risk factors: Diabetes and oral health share common risk factors, such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
Oral health issues in diabetics
Common oral health issues in diabetics include:
- Periodontal (gum) disease: High blood sugar levels can cause inflammation and infection in the gums.
- Tooth decay: High glucose levels in saliva and plaque can feed bacteria that cause tooth decay.
- Dry mouth (xerostomia): Reduced saliva production can lead to dry mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues.
- Oral thrush: High glucose levels can cause an overgrowth of fungus in the mouth, leading to oral thrush.
- Burning mouth syndrome: Some diabetics may experience burning mouth syndrome, a condition characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth.
- Tooth loss: Diabetes can increase the risk of tooth loss due to gum disease and other oral health issues.
- Oral infections: Diabetes can increase the risk of oral infections, which can worsen blood sugar control.
- Delayed healing: Diabetes can impair the body’s ability to heal, making it harder for the mouth to recover from oral health issues.
- Increased risk of dental caries: Diabetes can increase the risk of dental caries (tooth decay) due to high glucose levels in saliva and plaque.
- Altered taste: Some diabetics may experience altered taste due to high blood sugar levels or medication side effects.
Prevention and management of oral problems in diabetics
While diabetics are more prone to oral health issues, some steps can be taken to prevent and manage these problems:
- Brush teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Visit the dentist regularly to help identify oral health issues early on.
- Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help reduce the risk of oral health issues.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash to prevent tooth decay.
- Avoid sugary snacks that cause tooth decay.
If you are diabetic, don’t neglect your oral health – take steps today to protect your smile and overall health.
