Dental Problems in Diabetes and How to Avoid Them

Can diabetes cause dental problems?

Diabetes is a silent-killer that spares no part of the human body – including your gums and teeth. It takes a toll on your pearly whites and stares right back on your face as you look in the mirror every morning.

Can a dentist tell if you have diabetes?

Your oral health tells a lot about your overall health. Did you know, a trip to your dentist may even help in diagnosing various other medical conditions, including diabetes.

The results of a study showed that dentists were able to correctly identify 73% of patients with diabetes and prediabetes just by looking at the number of missing teeth and gum health. The results of the blood glucose test further confirmed the diagnosis in 92% cases. Incredible!

So, don’t be surprised if your dentist asks you to get your blood glucose levels checked after examining your mouth in your next dental visit.

Why does diabetes cause oral health problems?

Poorly controlled blood sugar increases the likelihood of developing oral health problems. This is because uncontrolled diabetes weakens white blood cells. White blood cells are the body’s main defense against bacterial infections that occur in the mouth.

If left untreated, diabetes can harm your oral health in many ways.

What oral health problems are associated with diabetes?

1. Cavities

The sugars and starches in the food you eat are converted to a sticky film called – plaque by bacteria present in your mouth. The acid formed in the plaque destroys your teeth, causing cavities or tooth decayPeople with diabetes cannot process blood sugar, increased supply of sugars and starches to the mouth causes more acid production and faster tooth decay.

2. Gum diseases

Diabetes weakens the ability of your body to fight bacteria. As a result, comparatively more plaque is formed by the increased number of bacteria in people with diabetes.The plaque grows up under the gum line around the base of the teeth. It eventually hardens to form tartar. Over time, the gums swell and bleed – known as gingivitis. It can also cause bad breath.

Gingivitis may further progress to periodontitis wherein the soft tissue and bones that support the teeth are destroyed much faster in people with diabetes, causing loosening and fall of teeth.

3. Oral fungal infection

People with diabetes have a high risk of developing fungal infection due to lowered immunity and high levels of glucose in saliva.

Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by a yeast – Candida albicans that thrives well in high glucose levels of saliva. These are seen as white or red painful patches inside the mouth which may bleed on scrapping.

4. Dryness in the mouth

People with diabetes may have reduced salivation. Due to the lack of saliva, the food debris doesn’t get washed off easily. Bacteria stick on the teeth and gums for long. Ultimately, causing more cavities, gum problems, soreness, ulcers and other infections.

5. Poor healing

People with high blood glucose levels experience delayed wound healing after any oral surgery, tooth removal etc. because blood flow to the treatment site is compromised. Without a proper nutrient-rich blood supply, the wounds don’t heal quickly.

Despite all the dental woes created by raised blood sugars, all of this can be prevented and managed.

Take both the ‘D’s – Diabetes and Dental care seriously.

7 Tips for People with Diabetes Who Want to Improve Their Oral Health

1. Manage Diabetes

Since now you have identified the main problem, hit the nail on the head – get your blood sugars under control. To manage diabetes and its related problems, get the expert care that is best suited according to your needs and lifestyle.

2. Maintain oral hygiene

These are a few things that you can do:

• Brush twice daily using a soft bristles toothbrush in a gentle circular motion and avoid harsh scrubbing of teeth that can cause bleeding from gums.
• Change your toothbrush every three months.
• Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque between your teeth.

3. Go for routine dental check-ups twice in a year

Get professional cleaning, dental x-rays every six months to arrest the progression of gum disease and tooth decay in its early stages.

4. Inform your dentist that you have diabetes

People with diabetes need special dental care. So, make sure that your dentist or dental hygienist knows that you have diabetes and the diabetes medications you are taking.

5. Get blood sugars under control before any dental surgical procedures

Since uncontrolled diabetes interferes with wound healing so postpone gum surgeries, tooth extraction, implants etc. till your blood sugar gets within the targeted range.

6. Give up Smoking

Smoking and diabetes deals a double blow to dental health and can lead to poor gum health and loss of teeth.

7. Watch out for early signs of dental problems

Early recognition of dental problems and its on-time treatment is very crucial. Be wary of any signs of gum disease like redness, swelling, bleeding gums and loose teeth.Look out for dry mouth and changes due to tooth decay like – discolouration, increased sensitivity to hot and cold, tooth pain and more. Report to your dentist and book your appointment immediately.

How often should People with diabetes get their teeth cleaned?

Because of the increased risk of oral health problems, people with diabetes should visit the dentist more regularly. A diabetic should see a dentist every three months instead of seeing them twice a year.

Can People with diabetes use mouthwash?

A recent study explains that over-the-counter mouthwash affects a wide range of oral bacteria. This leads to the destruction of the good bacteria responsible for preventing dental and food-processing problems. Killing this good bacteria can also increase the risk of diabetes. Participants who used mouthwash also had an increased risk of heart and dental disease. It is advisable to consult a dentist before using a mouthwash.

When you have diabetes, let toothbrush be not the last thing that comes to your mind when you think of managing diabetes-related problems.

Apart from managing other diabetes-related diseases of the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, etc.; it is equally important not to ignore your oral health.

Good oral health translates to good overall health. A perfect dentition is not only about looking good, but it also helps you to eat and speak properly.

Don’t let diabetes ruin your self-confidence. Let the experts help you take control of your blood sugar levels for that everlasting smile!