Why Are People with Diabetes More Likely to Developing Oral Health Problems?
Diabetes, a disease affecting the entire body, doesn’t spare the mouth, making people with diabetes more vulnerable than the average risk of oral health issues.
Why Do People with Diabetes Develop Oral Health Problems Frequently?
High blood sugar is the association between diabetes and oral health issues. Uncontrolled blood sugar results in the development of oral health problems. Improperly controlled blood sugar weakens white blood cells, the primary defence against bacterial infections in the mouth.
Studies have revealed that controlling blood sugar levels reduces the risk of significant organ complications of diabetes like eye, heart, and nerve damage the development of oral health problems also receives protection from diabetes.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Mouth and Teeth?
People with diabetes are vulnerable to the risks of several conditions affecting the oral tissues. They are:
- Xerostomia: uncontrolled diabetes decreases saliva flow resulting in a condition called xerostomia or dry mouth. Xerostomia can also lead to soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay, a common condition that sends you to the dentist nearby to receive treatments for cavities in teeth.
- Gum Inflammation: Another complication of diabetes is a thickening of the blood vessels besides, causing the weakening of white blood cells. The thickening slows the flow of nutrients and waste products to and from the body tissues, including the mouth. The body loses its proficiency to fight infections when these combine. As periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria, people with uncontrolled diabetes will experience more frequent and severe gum infections.
- Poor Healing of Oral Tissues: uncontrolled diabetes prevents people from healing quickly after oral surgery or any dental procedures they might need because blood flow to the treatment area is hampered.
- Thrush: people with diabetes frequently taking antibiotics to battle various infections are prone to developing oral conditions in the mouth and tongue. The high glucose levels in the saliva of people with diabetes encourage the fungus to thrive. In addition, wearing dentures constantly also results in fungal infection.
- Burning Mouth and Tongue: This condition is caused by the thrush’s presence.
People with diabetes and smoking are at a higher risk of developing infections like periodontal disease and thrush because smoking also impairs blood flow to the gums, affecting wound healing in the tissue.
How to Prevent Oral Infections with Diabetes?
People with diabetes must remain cautious with their dental hygiene practices and pay particular attention to any changes in their oral health. If they notice any changes, they can call the dentist near me immediately to ensure they receive immediate attention for the problem they confront.
Besides the above, people with diabetes are suggested the following tips. They are:
- Keeping blood sugar levels regular is essential for people with diabetes. During every dental visit, they must inform the dentist in Coquitlam of the status of their diabetes. For example, patients must have information about their glycosylated hemoglobin levels and insulin reactions earlier because they might be at a higher risk of having another one.
- Before receiving or scheduling periodontal treatment, people with diabetes must discuss with the dentist their overall health. If planning oral surgery, the dentist will recommend presurgical antibiotics. Sharing the number of their general healthcare provider with the dentist is also a requirement because they can consult each other if there are any concerns.
- People with diabetes must postpone non-essential emergency dental therapies if they don’t have their blood sugar under control. However, they can receive treatments immediately if they develop a dental abscess.
- People with diabetes must remember that healing from any procedure will take longer and follow their dentist’s post-treatment instructions stringently.
Alternative Dental Hygiene Tips for People with Diabetes
- People with diabetes must have their teeth and gums examined and cleaned by dentists and hygienists at six-monthly intervals. They must also discuss how often they will need checkups with their dentist.
- Preventing dental plaque buildup on the teeth by using dental floss at least once a day is essential for people with diabetes.
- Brushing teeth after every meal using a bristled toothbrush is also a requirement that people with diabetes must follow.
- Denture users affected by diabetes must ensure they remove and clean the prosthetics every day without exceptions. Smokers must discuss smoking cessation with the Coquitlam dentist to prevent unnecessary complications in their mouth.
If you are affected by diabetes and wonder why you are susceptible to more oral health problems, the Tri-Cities Dental Specialist offers appropriate advice to manage your oral issues in conjunction with diabetes. Discuss your concerns with this practice to remain in control of your oral and general health.