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 .
Your eyes may be the window to your soul, but your mouth is the gateway to your health. After all, there is a reason why your doctor asks you to open your mouth and say “ahhhh” every time you fall sick. So, go ahead and stick it out and look in the mirror.
If you are wondering whether your tongue. is “healthy” or not, keep reading to find out more about the signs you should be on the lookout for.
Oral cavity serves important functions, such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, breathing, etc. Together, they provide vital information about every system in your body.
What Your Tongue Can Reveal About Your Overall Health
1. White Coating on Tongue
Your tongue is supposed to be an exquisite shade of pink. If parts of your tongue appear to be coated in white patches with a cottage cheese-like appearance, this could be oral thrush, a yeast overgrowth that occurs inside the oral cavity. Oral thrush is very common in immunocompromised people and the ones suffering from conditions such as HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled/untreated diabetes, and asthmatics using inhalers.
Leukoplakia is another condition that can mimic oral thrush. It is characterised by one or more white patches/spots (lesions) on the inside of the mouth. Again very common in the immunocompromised, heavy smokers, areca nut chewers, etc. It is also known to increase the risk of oral cancers, so when in doubt, it is best to consult a specialist/dentist if you notice this symptom.
However, it could just be from not cleaning your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You do that, don’t you? If the whitish coat disappears on thorough cleaning, then you have nothing to worry about.
2. Red Tongue
Most often, a red or purple (not dark pink) tongue is associated with a vitamin deficiency such as folic acid, B12 or iron and the treatment is simple, a vitamin supplement.
it can also imply a fever, strep throat, eczema, or Kawasaki disease. Red patches with white borders (map-like pattern), could be an inflammatory but harmless condition known as ‘geographic tongue’.
3. Irregular Red Bumpy Patches
Bumps or sores especially under your tongue can be ‘canker’ or cold sores. This could occur as a result of biting, tobacco chewing/smoking, stress, or aphthous ulcers. Unless these bumps/sores have been persistent or painful they do not necessitate a visit to the doctor.
Instead, you can try some DIY/home remedies such as gargling with warm salted water, chewing on mint leaves, or eating something bland and cold (like curd/yogurt). It is best to avoid triggers such as spicy food, soft drinks, and oily or greasy food like french fries.
Though it may be nothing to worry about, it is best to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider periodically.
4. Black And Hairy Tongue
Yes, sounds strange, but sometimes a protein build-up can turn small bumps into longer strands, trapping food and bacteria resulting in what looks like strands of hair on your tongue. A few causes are – poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer therapy, etc.
Usually, a good brushing or tongue scraping will take care of it, but if it does not, a trip to the dentist is in order.
5. Yellow Tongue
It is usually a result of a harmless buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria on the surface of your (papillae). Causes can range from poor oral hygiene, and tobacco smoking to mouth breathing.
Sometimes, it could be suggestive of systemic illnesses such as jaundice and psoriasis. Schedule a doctor’s visit if the persistent discolouration is bothering you or have other associated symptoms such as fever, or yellowish discolouration of eyes and skin.
6. Dry Tongue
Normally, there should be some sort of glare, but if it’s very dry, you might just see some saliva buildup or a cracked tongue. A dry mouth can be due to:
- A side effect of certain medications such antihistamines, antidepressants, broncho-dilators, muscle-relaxants, etc.
- Certain diseases and infections such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cystic fibrosis, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Epstein-Barr virus, etc.
- Dehydration due to fever, volume loss due to vomiting, diarrhoea, trauma (blood loss), or severe burns.
- Surgical removal of salivary glands.
- Habits such as smoking or tobacco chewing can decrease the production of saliva.
- Mouth breathing.
7. Swollen Tongue
If your tongue appears puffier or larger than usual, especially after eating, it could be due to a simple food allergy. A scratchy feeling in the back of the throat can also indicate an allergic reaction.
Apart from allergies, other potential causes are – trauma/injury, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, certain medications or medical conditions, sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, gonorrhoea, HPV), and GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease).
Point to remember: Severe and rapid swelling may be a sign of a potentially life-threatening allergy known as anaphylaxis. This is an emergency and this warrants immediate medical intervention.
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/brushing-your-tongue
The Takeaway
Tongue is a body part that is often overlooked, can provide helpful insights into your overall health. So the next time you get out of the shower, wipe off the mirror, open your mouth, and inspect your tongue. You will be amazed at what you find!
Each time you brush and floss your teeth, be sure to brush your tongue as well. You can brush it with a regular toothbrush or invest in a scraper to remove excess buildup. Our dental team also checks the tongue for signs of oral cancer or other health problems during each dental visit at Infinity Dental.
If you have not had a preventive care exam in more than six months schedule an appointment today at Infinity Dental best dental clinic in Lucknow.
You know that Toothbrushing your teeth is important. But did you know that you might be making mistakes that can cause more harm than good? Toothbrushing mistakes can actually cause problems like gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and weakened tooth enamel.
Well, brushing might seem like an easy task to do but truth is, most of us brush our pearly whites in the wrong way. Not only we don’t sufficiently remove the plaque accumulated on our teeth, but we might also harm our enamel. On the list that follows you can find the most common brushing mistakes!
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/toothbrushing
1. Using Wrong toothbrush
The most common brushing mistakes is not using the right kind of toothbrush.
There are two styles of toothbrushes to consider: manual and electric. Choose what feels comfortable and motivated to brush your teeth regularly.
A manual toothbrush is portable and ready to use every time you need it. It makes no noise, and you have complete control over the pressure that it puts on your teeth and gums.
An powered or electric toothbrush requires charging and does make some noise while brushing. The rotating movement of the bristles makes it easier to clean between the teeth and the gum line. Many electric powered toothbrushes come with built in sensors to control how much pressure you are putting on your teeth and timers to indicate how long you should brush for which really makes it handy.
When picking a toothbrush you have to keep in mind :
- Pick a toothbrush with a small head. If the head of the brush is too big it won’t be able to fit in all the areas in your mouth that demands cleaning.
- Don’t Pick one with medium hard bristles. You may think that the harder the bristles the better the cleaning but you are wrong! The harder the bristles, more the damage to your enamel.But infact on other hand if you choose a toothbrush with very soft bristles, you are not cleaning anything is a wrong concept!
2. Very hard and fast brushing
You don’t need to scrub your teeth,you just have to gently clean the food remnants and plaque. Don’t be harsh on them, because you will end up with a destroyed enamel and your teeth will become prone to decay.
3. Storing your toothbrush wet
The problem with storing your toothbrush wet is when you store your toothbrush in a confined space such as a drawer or cabinet and If it stays moist in a small space, it will become a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure it dries before you put your toothbrush away.
Once you are finished brushing your teeth, the American Dental Association suggests to let your toothbrush air dry, upright, not touching any other toothbrush heads or surfaces. Before you start brushing, rinse the bristles of your toothbrush thoroughly with warm water to remove any debris, and do the same after you have finished. The handle of your toothbrush is also quite important. Make sure to often wipe it down and keep it clean
4. Not Replacing your Old toothbrush
It’s important that you change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head about every three to four months. If the bristles are very frayed you should change it sooner. Consider getting a new toothbrush sooner if you have been sick. When in doubt, look at the bristles, if they are frayed, they won’t clean teeth as thoroughly.
5. Using Wrong technique of toothbrushing
It’s a common brushing mistake,going along your teeth, left to right. But this is not effective.
Start from the gum, and go up and down in little circular, up-and-down motions.
6. You forget the tongue and gum line
Bacteria often hang out where your tooth meets your gum. We miss that area a lot.
Brushing your teeth means brushing your whole surface of the tooth. Or at least everything you can get to with your brush.
A lot of people miss this step. Brushing your tongue is also just as important as brushing your teeth. Your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria as it tends to linger on your tongue. Make cleaning your tongue part of your routine after you brush your teeth.
7. Wrong time of brushing
It’s intriguing, sometimes, to immediately run to the restroom to get rid of the remnants of that meal you just had.
That’s better than not brushing at all. But still, this is not quite healthy and here is why.
Two minutes twice a day is the recommended duration for a tooth brushing session.
2 minutes is recommended for a reason. Any brushing duration shorter than 2 minutes does not give the optimum fluoride in your toothpaste enough time to do its job and attach to the enamel surface in your teeth.
So brush your pearly whites two minutes, set a timer, play a song. Whatever helps you stick to the 2 minute rule.
8.You don’t stick to your daily hygiene routine
It is very usual for you to get bored or be in a rush and you neglect your oral care regime. But is it really worth it to destroy your smile over boredom?
Try to follow your routine at least once a day, your whole routine though. Toothbrushing-Flossing-Mouthwash.
Be consistent
Be healthy
Talk to our cosmetic dentist at Infinity Dental Dr. Damini Agarwal best dentist in Lucknow to know more about oral care regime at the best dental clinic in Lucknow
Dental / tooth decay is a common disease of our teeth. It is a progressive disease that affects hard tooth tissue of the tooth and is stimulated by the action of bacteria that accumulates and creates plaque. If in any case,it is not treated early, this decay can cause necrosis of the pulp and moreover, create an abscess at the top of the tooth root and in which extraction usually follows.
Dental decay is caused by plaque acids that gradually dissolve away the enamel and dentin of the tooth. Decay damages your teeth and may lead to the tooth needing to be filled or even taken out.
Did you know there are five distinct stages of tooth decay?
Understanding how a cavity progresses can assist you in preventing each successive stage from occurring in your oral cavity.
Stage One: White Spots
In stage one, the tooth begins to show signs of strain from the attack of sugars and acids, and white spots will begin to materialize below the surface of the enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue in your body and is mostly made up of minerals. These white spot are represents demineralization of the tooth and can be easy to miss out because they’re likely to occur on your molar teeth. A dental examination, is designed to find such cavities!
Stage Two: Enamel Decay
Stage two remarks the beginning of the end for the surface enamel that is being attacked. Initially, the tooth erodes from the outside, so the outer enamel will still be intact for the first half of this second stage. Once the cavity breaks through the surface of the enamel, there is no turning back, and you will need to have the cavity treated with a filling.
Stage Three: Dentin Decay
If a tooth decay/cavity in your mouth progresses beyond stage two, you’d tend become aware of it when it started to hit stage three because it would probably start to cause some discomfort or pain. At this level, the cavity begins to eat away at the second layer of tooth material that lies beneath the enamel: which is the dentin. A filling can still be used to stop the progression of bacteria causing damage to the tooth in order to prevent the cavity from reaching the tooth’s most critical component: the pulp.
Stage Four: Pulpal Involvement
Once the tooth decay/cavity reaches the pulp, it’s going to hurt. So if you’ve unfortunately missed all the signs and symptoms to this point, unbearable pain will certainly let you know there is a huge problem. Stage four is serious, and a root canal is the only treatment option at this stage which save for a complete extraction.
Stage Five: Abscess Formation
In the fifth and final stage of a tooth decay/cavity, the infection has reached the tip of the root and exits the tip of the tooth’s structure. This in turn infects the surrounding tissues and possibly the bone structure. Swelling would occur accompanied with severe pain. An abscess can be fatal life threatening if not dealt immediately. Root canal or extraction would be the order of the treatment .
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/tooth-decay-stages
As you can see, cavities don’t happen overnight. In the early stages, regular visits can help reverse the progression of the disease.Regular visits to your dentist are not only essential for healthy teeth but overall systemic health. Even if you have never had a tooth decay, it is important to see your dentist to prevent any future oral care issues. Routine dental checkups and regular cleanings will not only help keep your family’s teeth healthy, but they will also establish a lifetime of healthy choices for you and your family to know more visit Infinity Dental best dental clinic in Lucknow.
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