Are you aware of the fact that there are 29.1 million cases of diabetics in the United States? That is equivalent to 9.3% of the population. Every year, around 1.7 million new cases are identified, while 8.1 million people with Diabetes are unaware of their condition.
Diabetes impacts negatively on your body’s capacity to handle sugar. All of the food you consume is converted to sugar and utilized as energy. High blood sugar levels arise in both situations, leading to issues with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, and other organs.
So, how does it affect our smile, and how can you protect it? To begin, it is essential to consider the symptoms of Diabetes and their functions in your mouth.
Effect of people with Diabetes on Oral health
Diabetes can cause discomfort, infections, and other issues in your mouth if there is too much glucose, commonly known as sugar, in your blood. The contents of your mouth are
- your teeth
- the condition of your gums
- jaw
- tissues like your tongue, the top and bottom of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks
Glucose is found in saliva, which is the fluid that keeps your mouth moist. High glucose levels in your saliva promote the growth of dangerous germs when your Diabetes is uncontrolled. These bacteria fuse with food to produce plaque, a soft, sticky coating. Plaque can also be caused by consuming sugary or starchy meals. Plaque can lead to tooth decay or cavities in certain people. Plaque of other sorts causes gum disease and foul breath.
If you have Diabetes, your gum disease maybe even worse and take longer to recover. Gum disease, in turn, might make it challenging to regulate your blood glucose.
Plaque present on teeth
If plaque is not eliminated, it solidifies into tartar and accumulates above the gum line. Tartar makes brushing and cleaning between the teeth more difficult. Gingivitis is characterized by red, puffy, and readily bleed gums.
As the plaque penetrates and develops beneath the gum line, your body fights the germs. The germs, as well as your body’s response to the illness, begin to erode the bone and tissue that keep the teeth in place.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of a dental issue are as follows:
- Swollen Gums
- Gums bleed
- Gum recession
- a persistent sore or ulcer
- your teeth have black spots or holes
- Pain that does not go away in your mouth, cheek, or jaw
- teeth that are coming loose
- chewing ache
- a change in flavor or an unpleasant aftertaste
- foul breath that persists even after brushing your teeth
Mouth Problems
Controlling your blood sugar levels is critical whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The higher your blood sugar level, the more likely it is that you will:
- Cavities
Many different kinds of bacteria live in your mouth. Plaque develops on your teeth when carbohydrates and sugars in meals and beverages interact with these bacteria. Plaque acids eat away at your teeth’ surfaces (enamel and dentin).
Cavities and gum disease may arise as a result. The higher your blood sugar level, the more sweets, and starches are available to you — and the more acid is present to erode your teeth.
- Gingivitis
Diabetes weakens your immune system’s capacity to combat germs. If you don’t eliminate plaque by brushing and flossing regularly, it will solidify under your gumline into tartar (dental calculus).
The longer plaque and tartar linger on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva, which is the portion of your gums that surrounds the base of your teeth. Your gums will swell and bleed readily as time passes. Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums become inflamed.
- Periodontitis
Gingivitis, if not treated, can progress to periodontitis, a more severe illness that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Periodontitis triggers your gums and jawbone to peel away from your teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out.
Diabetes reduces the body’s power to prevent infection and delays recovery. Thus periodontitis is more severe in people with Diabetes. Periodontitis, for example, might cause your blood sugar to increase, making Diabetes more challenging to manage. Regular dental cleanings can help to prevent and cure periodontitis.
- Thrush
Diabetes patients are at a higher risk of developing thrush, a fungal illness caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Thrush symptoms include unpleasant white or red spots within your mouth. Thrush may be avoided by maintaining proper dental hygiene.
- Xerostomia
Diabetes can also cause a lack of saliva, a problem known as dry mouth. Lacking saliva to keep your mouth hydrated and your teeth clean, you might develop dental decay, gum disease, and thrush.
Blood glucose levels and dental treatment
Whether you are using medication that might cause hypoglycemia, such as insulin or sulphonylureas, check with your dentist or doctor to determine if your medication has changed before having dental treatment done.
Your dental appointments should be scheduled around your diabetes treatment plan.
High blood sugar levels may have an impact on how quickly the gums recover. Diabetes can cause extra cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease. For example, if you have a tooth extracted and take an unusually long time to recover, you should get counsel from your diabetic healthcare team or a dentist right once. Also, Diabetes can cause extra cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Treatment:
One must take Diabetes and dental care seriously to help avoid damage to your teeth and gums. The following steps must be followed for good oral health.
- Maintain a healthy level of blood sugar.
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after eating to preserve any tooth enamel weakened by acid in the meal.
- Remove and clean your dentures regularly if you wear them. They should not be slept in.
- Quit smoking if you still do.
- Every six months have a dental checkup. Depending on your situation, your dentist may advise you to perform it more frequently.
Conclusion:
Many of us get nervous before going to the dentist but do not delay it. If treatment is required, go for it. Make sure your dentist is aware that you have Diabetes, as they may need to take this into account when giving advice or recommending treatment.
Please visit our website for more information at https://luminadental.com/ or call us to get an appointment to start the treatment as early as possible.