How Diabetes Can Affect Your Oral Health

Diabetes has a major impact on people all over the world. The earlier the detection, the sooner you will be able to avoid further complications. If you are already affected with diabetes, it is also important to understand that it increases the risk of developing oral health conditions. Everyone needs to take good care of their teeth to get rid of common oral health issues.

However, preventative dental care can be especially important if you have diabetes since it comes with a higher risk of developing problems like gum disease, tooth decay and other oral infections.

Which Oral Health Problems Are Common Amongst People With Gum Disease?
It is estimated that 1.7 million people having diabetes are particularly at risk. This happens because blood glucose level that is not managed well lowers the body’s resistance to infection and affects its ability to heal.

People with diabetes face a higher risk of:

Dry Mouth: Diabetes which is uncontrolled results in increased saliva flow. It further leads to soreness, ulcers, infection and tooth decay.

Gum Inflammation (gingivitis) and Periodontitis: Another complication that diabetes leads to is that it causes blood vessels to thicken. It further reduces the flow of nutrients and waste products from body tissues, including the mouth. With this combination of events, the body loses its ability to fight from infections. Since gum disease is a bacterial infection, people with uncontrolled diabetes experience severe gum disease more frequent.

Thrush: People with diabetes are prone to fungal infection of the mouth and tongue. The fungus thrives on high glucose levels in the saliva of people with uncontrolled diabetes. Similarly, wearing dentures can also lead to fungal infections.

Burning Mouth: This is also caused by the presence of thrush.

Diabetes and Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by the same bacteria that is responsible for tooth decay. The bacteria produces plaque which hardens to form tartar. This tartar causes the gums to swell, redden and bleed. If the gum disease is left untreated, it starts destroying the bone around the teeth that holds them in place. This even leads to tooth loss.

The risk associated with diabetes can be managed by keeping the blood glucose level in optimal range. If you notice any other signs of gum disease, it is important to consult your dentist for gum disease treatment.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.