Do you wonder what the connection is between diabetes and oral health? Read more to know the diabetes and oral health connections.
Let’s explore more about the problems associated with diabetes and how to prevent them.
Connection
The link between diabetes and oral health is tied to high blood sugar. When your blood sugar isn’t controlled well, you’re more likely to have problems with your oral health. This happens because diabetes that isn’t managed correctly makes your white blood cells weaker. These cells help your body fight off infections caused by bacteria in your mouth.
Just like research has found that keeping your blood sugar in check reduces the risk of significant problems in your organs like eyes, heart, and nerves, it can also help protect you from having oral health troubles.
Health Problems Associated With Diabetes
Diabetes and oral health connection can lead to many health problems. People with diabetes can have the following problems with their oral health.
The typical mouth problems that people with diabetes and oral health issues often face are:
- Gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Swollen and painful gums with pus (gum abscesses)
- Cavities in the teeth (tooth decay)
- Fungal infections like thrush
- A skin condition called lichen planus that causes inflammation
- Sores inside the mouth (mouth ulcers)
- Changes in how things taste
- Feeling your mouth is dry and burning because you don’t have enough spit.
Learn how can you manage your diabetes and oral health problems.
Dry Mouth: Diabetes can dry your mouth, leading to sores, infections, and tooth decay.
Gum Inflammation and Gum Disease: Diabetes can weaken your body’s ability to fight infections, causing more severe gum problems.
Slow Healing: People with diabetes don’t heal as quickly after dental procedures because blood flow to the treatment area can be affected.
Thrush: If you have diabetes and take antibiotics often, you might get a fungal infection in your mouth, especially if you wear dentures.
Burning Mouth or Tongue: This can happen if you have thrush.
Prevention
If you have diabetes, here’s how you can prevent these oral health problems:
Control Your Blood Sugar:
Keep your blood sugar levels regular. Tell your dentist about your diabetes and HgA1C level (aim for under 7%).
Talk to Your Doctor:
Before gum treatment, have your doctor talk to your dentist about your overall health.
Share Medical Information:
Give your dentist a list of all the medicines you take so they can give you the right ones.
Delay Non-Emergency Dental Work:
If your blood sugar isn’t well controlled, waiting for non-urgent dental procedures is better. But if you have a severe infection, get it treated right away.
Follow the Dentist’s Instructions:
Healing may take longer, so follow your dentist’s advice carefully.
Immediate Orthodontist Contact:
If something from braces hurts your mouth, call your orthodontist right away.
Following these steps can help keep your mouth healthy while managing your diabetes.
Oral Health Tips For Diabetic People
Here are some easy-to-understand oral hygiene tips for people with diabetes:
- Visit your dentist two times a year.
- Check and clean your gums and teeth with professionals. Your dentist will help you decide how often you should go.
- To keep your teeth healthy, use dental floss daily to remove plaque.
- After you eat, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- If you have dentures, take them out and clean them every day.
- Ask your doctor how you can quit smoking. It can harm your mouth, and it’s best to stop.
Conclusion
Hope now you are aware of the connection between diabetes and oral health. Always
take care of your oral health to avoid other severe diseases. Contact Dentalsways for more information on tips to maintain oral health.
