The Effects of Diabetes on Oral Health

Overview
Talking about effects of diabetes on oral health, how does that come into play? Well, as we know, diabetes is an ailment that has the tendency of affecting the whole body, the mouth inclusive.

The relationship between diabetes and oral health is the blood sugar level (high blood sugar). Because uncontrolled diabetes weakens the white blood cells, it becomes a problem if blood sugar is inadequately controlled because oral health challenges are unarguably likely to develop. Have in mind that the white blood cells are the body’s primary defense against bacterial infections that can likely occur in the mouth. Apart from knowing the fact that diabetes can harm the eyes, nerves, kidneys, hearts and other important systems of the body, it also plays a major role in affecting one’s overall oral health.

Periodontal/Gum Disease and Diabetes
It’s important to note that patients with diabetes have a higher chance of having periodontal or gum disease. This is because the disease is an infection that affects the gums and bone that hold and support the teeth. This said disease leads to halistosis, severe pain, damaged teeth and tooth loss. This is where diabetes comes in: it hesitates the healing/recovery process when periodontal disease is being treated. It’s no surprise that periodontal disease is the sixth most common disease in the world.

Stages of Periodontal/Gum Disease
There are three stages of periodontal/gum disease. They are:

1. Gingivitis: This is the first stage of periodontal disease and it is basically caused by improper oral hygiene and irregular plaque removal from the teeth. At this stage, one might have swollen, reddish and tender gums and experience bleeding when brushing or flossing. The good news about this first stage of periodontal disease is that it can be corrected. All one needs to do is practice proper oral hygiene and visiting a dentist.

2.  Periodontitis (Mild): gingivitis can lead to mild periodontitis if left untreated. At this stage, damage has already been done to the gums and bone supporting the teeth. This kind of gum disease is common among people who have a family history of gum disease, poor oral hygiene and uncontrolled diabetes. At this point, it is advisable to visit a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damages.

3.  Periodontitis (severe): this is the third and final stage of periodontal/gum disease and it comes into play when gum disease escalates into tissue and bone loss around the teeth, which may eventually lead to tooth loss. This kind of gum disease is severe and needs the attention of your dentist without further delay. Be that as it may, it is advisable to tackle this at the first/second stage before it gets here.

Apart from periodontal/gum disease, diabetes can lead to other dental problems such as dry mouth and thrush. Dry mouth is a situation where saliva is lacking in the mouth. This can lead to infections, ulcers, soreness and tooth decay.  This is to say that diabetes plays a major role in one’s overall oral health.

Dry Mouth and Diabetes
People with diabetes are likely to have dry mouth. Dry mouth is a situation where there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth. That is to say, uncontrolled diabetes can decrease saliva flow in the mouth, and it in turns leads to dry mouth.

 Oral Tissues and Diabetes
It’s important to know that patients with uncontrolled diabetes do not recover quickly after they’ve undergone oral surgery and/or other dental procedures. The reason for the delayed healing is because the blood flow to the treatment area can be damaged. So, if you are a diabetic patient with dental issues, it may take longer than expected to get healed of the dental problems.

Thrush And Diabetes
Thrush, also called candidiasis is an infection of the mouth and throat by a yeastlike fungus, causing whitish patches. Diabetes patients who repeatedly take antibiotics to fight various infections are mostly prone to developing a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue.

More so, people who are diabetic are at higher risk of developing thrush and periodontal disease. Firstly, smoking generally is an unhealthy habit which affects not just your oral health but your entire being. Secondly, when diabetic patients smoke, the risk is even higher because smoking seems to impair blood flow to the gums, which might affect wound healing in the tissue area. So, it is advisable for patients who are diabetic to quit smoking for their own benefits.

If you have diabetes, it is essential to pay utmost attention to your oral health and dental care. You should also keep in mind to control you blood sugar levels because studies have shown that controlling blood sugar level reduces the risk of major organ complications of diabetes; watch your sugar intake so as not to reduce/prevent oral health challenge. More so, you should visit your dentist regularly, especially if you notice some abnormalities with your oral health.

How to Prevent/Reduce Oral Health for Diabetic Patients
It’s important to follow good oral hygiene practices for people who have diabetes. This is paramount to them because as diabetic patients, they are more prone to conditions that might be harmful to their oral health. Patients with diabetes should pay careful attention to any changes in their oral health and should not hesitate to visit their dentist immediately should any changes occur.

Here are some preventive tips to help prevent/reduce oral health problems:

1. See your doctor before scheduling any treatment for periodontal disease. This will guide in any treatment you want to underdo. It’s important for your doctor to talk to your dentist about your overall health condition before any oral treatment commences.
2. Keep your blood sugar as normal as possible; you should control your blood glucose. Always tell your dentist the status of your diabetes on each dental visit.
3. Let your dentist have a list containing all your prescribed medications. This will help your dentist to prescribe medications that won’t interfere with the medications you are already taking.
4. Follow your dentist’s post treatment instructions carefully and accurately.
5. Brush your teeth after every meal. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
6. Your dentist should clean your teeth and gums at least twice yearly.
7. If you smoke, it’s high time you quit already.
8. Remove and clean your dentures daily (for those who wear dentures).
9. Use dental floss to floss every day.
10. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups.