If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to have ORAL health problems like cavities and gum disease.If you have diabetes and you’re over 50, your risk is even higher. That’s because dental problems and age go hand in hand, whether or not you have diabetes.The good news is that controlling your diabetes will go a long way toward protecting your teeth and gums.And that, in turn, will also help you manage your diabetes.If you have diabetes, keep an eye out for these oral health conditions — especially if you’ve already reached the half-century mark.
Diabetes can arise in individuals at any age. As with all patients, it is recommended that dentists review the patient’s medical history, take vital signs, and evaluate for oral signs and symptoms of inadequately controlled diabetes, which may be common. Oral manifestations of uncontrolled diabetes can include xerostomia, burning sensation in the mouth (which may possibly be related to neuropathy), impaired/delayed wound healing, increased incidence and severity of infections, secondary infection with candidiasis; parotid salivary gland enlargement; gingivitis and/or periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gum disease is the most common DENTAL health problem among people with diabetes. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is when bacteria cause your gums to bleed, turn red, and feel sore. Bacteria love to feast on sugar, turning it into tooth-damaging acid. Uncontrolled diabetes means more sugar in your saliva, and that means a free banquet for bacteria.Regular brushing and flossing,as well as rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash will get rid of it and stop gingivitis in its tracks.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a more serious type of gum disease that erodes the bone and tissues that support your teeth. In the worst case, you might lose your teeth. Periodontitis can’t be reversed and can’t be treated with brushing and flossing alone. Your dentist will have to get involved.
Dry Mouth
Both diabetes and older age (especially if you’re a woman) slow down saliva production. This puts you at risk for dry mouth, which your doctor might call xerostomia. Dry mouth can lead not only to sores and ulcers but also to even more tooth decay and gum disease.
Infection
Bacteria aren’t the only organisms that like sugar. So do fungi, which is why a fungal yeast infection called thrush is common in people with diabetes. Thrush can cause white or red patches on your tongue and inside your cheeks. Sometimes they turn into open sores.If you wear dentures, smoke, or take antibiotics, you may be even more likely to get thrush. The yeast thrives on the extra sugar in your saliva and especially likes moist spots like areas under loose-fitting dentures.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Both thrush and dry mouth can lead to burning mouth syndrome. So can certain medications, including some for high blood pressure. In addition to feeling like you just scalded your mouth with coffee, your mouth could tingle or feel numb.
Slow Wound Healing
You may have noticed that wounds and infections take longer to heal. That’s a byproduct of both diabetes and getting older.At the same time, your risk of infection goes up. That plus slower healing means that if something does go wrong with your gums or teeth, it’ll take longer to get better. And it might get worse faster. If you keep your blood sugar in check and brush and floss daily as well as rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash, you’ll stop most tooth and gum disease before it has a chance to set in.
THE TAKEAWAY DIABETES AFFECTS ORAL HEALTH
If you have diabetes its important for you to visit a dentist and get assessed. Patients with diabetes should obtain regular medical and dental care, including regular dental visits for full evaluation of their dental and periodontal condition. Schedule an appointment at our clinic Infinity Dental Dr.Damini Agarwal best dentist in Lucknow .
