Dental care is especially essential for diabetic individuals because they face a greater risk of contracting oral health issues on account of theIr poorly managed blood sugars. The American Academy of Periodontology asserts on its website that diabetic individuals have a greater probability to suffer from periodontal disease compared to people without it. In fact, periodontal diseases are one of the complications which diabetes brings along with it. The risk increases in people who do not have adequate control on their blood sugar levels.
The Factors That Link Diabetes to Dental Problems:
- Studies reveal that people who do not have sufficient control on their blood sugar level, seem to experience serious gum disease more frequently in comparison to people who exercise control on their blood glucose levels.
- Diabetes brings down the body's resistance power, which in turn, boosts up the probability of infections in gums.
- High sugar levels in saliva support the growth of the bacteria that lead to gum diseases.
- Smoking also seems to impair blood flow to the gums and this may affect wound healing in this tissue area.
- Improper oral hygiene is one of the main factors which contribute to gum diseases, but this has found to cause greater effects in diabetic individuals.
Types of Dental Problems a Diabetic Individual May Face:
Higher blood sugar levels are associated with the risks of:
- Dry Mouth or Xerostomia: Unmanageable diabetes can decrease the flow of saliva, thereby contributing towards dry mouth. Dry mouth stands as the reason behind infections, soreness, tooth decay and ulcers.
- Tooth Decay (Cavities): Our mouth is loaded with several types of bacteria and it's natural. The interaction of such bacteria with starches and sugars leads to the formation of a sticky coating called plaque on teeth. The plaque acids corrode the teeth enamel. This may cause cavities. If you have a high blood sugar level, greater will be the availability of sugars and starches.This in turn, triggers greater acid formation, which again causes damages to the enamel.
- Gum Diseases: If you are diabetic then you are at a risk of getting affected with:
- Gingivitis: Diabetes brings down your capacity to resist bacterial attacks and this can lead to the buildup of greater amount of plaque. If plaque is not removed regularly then it will become hard to form tartar. The plaque, when stays for an extended period of time, may cause irritations at the base of the teeth. With time, the gums may experience inflammations and may also bleed easily. The symptoms are collectively referred to as gingivitis.
- Periodontitis: Untreated gingivitis can cause periodontitis, a more severe form of an infection. It damages the soft tissue and bone which provide support to your teeth. Ultimately, periodontitis causes the loosening of your teeth, which ultimately get detached from the gum and fall apart. Periodontitis tends to assume a more serious form in diabetic individuals because the condition decreases the body's ability to fight infections. It also slows down the healing process.
- Oral Candia or Thrush: People on a dosage of antibiotics to fight are susceptible to a type of fungal infection that affects the mouth and tongue. The fungus survives on the high sugar levels in the saliva of diabetic individuals.
Signs and Symptoms
You can understand whether you are suffering from a gum disease if you note the following symptoms:
- Persistent bad breath, continuous bad taste in mouth despite proper cleaning.
- Gums becoming abnormally red, swollen and tender; gums have started receding.
- Bleeding of gums during/ and after brushing.
- Loosening of teeth.
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums - pockets are the sites where the attachment has been gradually destroyed.
- Poor healing of oral tissues.
- Burning mouth / tongue
Prevention and Treatment
The best treatment for gum disease is prevention - a regular schedule of good oral hygiene should become a way of life. Some of the preventive measures include:
- Maintain good control over your blood glucose levels.
- Brush your teeth twice daily. Use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride containing toothpaste. Turn the bristles against the gum line and brush gently. Use small, circular motions. Remember, harsh scrubbing can lead to gum irritations.
- Use dental floss for at least once daily. Flossing prevents the plaque buildup between the teeth and below the gum line. You may use the waxed types if you find it difficult to put the floss between your teeth. A floss holder can be used if you find difficulty in manipulating the floss.
- If you wear dentures, remove them and clean them daily.
- Pay a visit to your dentist's chamber for at least twice every year to get your teeth professionally cleaned. You should let your dentist recall each time that you are a diabetic. Make sure to eat something before a dental procedure to avoid low blood sugar levels during the process.
- If you need to undergo a dental surgery, then you should ask your dentist to discuss your case with your doctor. Some adjustments in your diabetes medications may be needed or you may also be required to take an antibiotic drug to stay safe from infections.
- Let your dentist know about gum disease symptoms such as redness, inflammation and bleeding gums. Also take care to inform him about other symptoms like toothache, dry mouth and loose teeth.
- Avoid smoking as it enhances the threat of diabetes complications like gum disease.
- Eat a healthy and well balanced diet.
Living with Diabetes has become much easier with the latest medical advancements. Products like Accu-Check help people to monitor the blood glucose levels anywhere and at anytime. Prevention is the key to keep yourself away from oral health problems. Smiling confidently is not a big deal even if you have diabetes. Doesn't the legendary cricketer Wasim Akram, (a diabetic) impress you with his confident smile?
