Before we get into the discussion about “How Diabetes can affect your Oral Healthcare?” let’s learn about Diabetes and its effects on human body
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is very common these days which causes a hormonal problem that if not treated properly can lead to complications. Diabetes can also add to Kidney problems, Dental problems, Heart problems, Diabetic Neuropathy, Retinopathy and other multiple disorders. At advanced stages it will be difficult to treat Dental issues, diabetes can also cause kidney failure, blindness, amputation, and Heart stroke.
However, these problems can be prohibited or significantly deferred by good physical activities and good control of diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure.
How is Diabetes Caused?
The diet we take or most of the food we eat is turned into sugar or glucose, which turns into energy for our bodies. The pancreas, an organ which is near to stomach, emits a hormone named insulin. Insulin helps glucose to enter into cells of our bodies.
When an individual is suffering from diabetes, his body cannot make enough amount of insulin or will not be able to use its own insulin properly. This causes sugar levels to increase in the blood.
If you are suffering from diabetes then you should learn about it and know the importance of blood glucose level and methods to control it. High blood sugar not only affect your teeth but also affect entire body by making it vulnerable to other diseases which can affect organs like eyes, heart, nerves, kidneys, and feet.
There are two major types of diabetes.
| Type 1 | Type 2 |
| Use of Insulin is Must | Can be controlled by medication |
| Typically observed in a child or young adult | Typically observed in the 45+ age group of people |
| In this case, pancreatic cells are destroyed completely | Pancreatic cells are partially effected |
| Hereditary | Non-Hereditary |
| Multiple causes | Caused due to overweight or unhealthy eating habits |
How Diabetes can affect your Oral Healthcare?
If an individual is suffering from Diabetes then it has to be controlled, the glucose or sugar present in the saliva causes the bacteria in your mouth to flourish which increase the risk of decay and infection. White blood cells present in the body are also debilitated by high sugar levels in the blood making it difficult to fight the infections. Oral Health Issues for Individuals suffering from diabetes may include.
- Gum disease
- Dry mouth/ Xerostomia
- Thrush /Candidiasis
- Oral burning
Gum Disease
Gingivitis and Periodontitis are two different stages of Gum Disease that are caused due to high blood sugar levels, an individual with high blood sugar levels is four to five times more likely to develop gum disease than others. A bacterial infection that can destroy your jaw bones or affect your gums and tissues supporting your teeth is commonly known as Gum Disease. Food practices with the bacteria in your mouth form a thin sticky layer called plaque that settles on your teeth.
Gingivitis – The first stage of gum disease. Unhealthy or inflamed gums which bleed easily
Symptoms – Regularly bleeding gums and red or swollen gums
Treatments – Brushing twice a day and flossing. Visit your dentist for regular cleanings
If gingivitis is not treated or ignored it takes gum disease to the advanced state known as Periodontitis.
Periodontitis – it is a gum disease, which can change from mild to severe in no time
Symptoms – Regularly bleeding gums and red or swollen gums. Distance between the gum and the teeth, long-lasting infection between the gums and teeth, permanent teeth that are rapidly moving away causing gaps, changes in your chewing style,
Treatments – gum surgery may require in severe cases, cleaning at your dentist, Medication prescribed by your dentist.
In Periodontitis, pockets are being developed in your inflamed gums. These pockets get filled with bacteria, along with other food particles causing damage to the tissue and bone holding your teeth. Advanced periodontitis may cause you to lose your teeth completely.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth also called Xerostomia. Due to high sugar levels in the blood, there is a substantial reduction of saliva in your mouth, which increases the risk for tooth decay and gum disease. The saliva is very important for oral healthcare as it washes away all the left out food particles.
Symptoms – Dry feeling in the mouth at all times or quite often. Dry or rough tongue. Cracked lips and pain in the mouth. Problems in eating, chewing, swallowing, or even talking
Treatments – Prescribed Medication from dentist to keep your mouth wet. Using mouthwash which is rich in Fluoride to prevent cavities. Sugarless mint or chewing gum to increase the flow of saliva. Taking Sips of water every 10-15 minutes. Use of Alcohol, caffeine or tobacco is strictly prohibited. Avoid spicy food or food from restaurants as it may cause pain in the mouth
Thrush
Thrush or candidiasis. In Simple terms, Thrush is the growth of a naturally occurring fungus that a human body is unable to control because of high blood sugar levels.
Symptoms – sore, white or red patches in your mouth. They can be seen on gums, cheeks, tongue, or on the upper side of your mouth.
Treatments – Prescribed Medication from dentist to kill the Fungus. Cleaning Dentures at regular intervals and soaking the dentures during night in the prescribed solution
Usually, thrush or candidiasis is not serious. Having said that, if high blood sugar levels has weakened your immune system, the infection may enter other parts of the body.
Oral burning
As the name suggests it’s a burning sensation in the mouth caused by high blood sugar levels
Symptoms – burning sensation in the mouth, bitter taste, dry mouth and these symptoms worsen throughout the day.
Treatments – Change in medication prescribed by the Diabetic specialist. As Sugar levels come under control, Oral Burning sensation will go away.
At Ankura Dental Hospital, we recommend maintaining a good oral hygiene to stay on top of any problems that may come from chronic disease like diabetes. With controlled blood sugar levels and proper oral hygiene, one can greatly reduce your risk for all the above mentioned oral health problems. If you are experiencing any dental issues or need to schedule a dental checkup, please contact us at +91-9912849515.
By
Ankura Dental – Best Dental Clinic in Hyderabad
Leave a Reply