Diabetes and Your Oral Health
November is National Diabetes Month—a month dedicated to bringing attention to diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when someone's blood glucose (sugar) is too high. Blood glucose is our main source of energy. After we consume foods, insulin helps glucose from food move into our cells for energy. When someone has diabetes, their boy doesn't make enough insulin (if any) or doesn't use insulin well. In this case, glucose stays in the blood and is unable to reach any cells.
How does this relate to dentistry?
Diabetes affects the whole body—including the mouth. When blood sugar is poorly controlled, white blood cells weaken. White blood cells are the body's main defense against bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth. Because of this, people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing oral health problems.
What oral health problems are a result of diabetes?
Diabetes increases the risk of:
Dry mouth: Uncontrolled diabetes can decrease the flow of saliva, which results in dry mouth. Dry mouth causes soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay.
Gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontitis: Diabetes causes white blood vessels to thicken. Thicker blood vessels slow the flow of nutrients and waste products from body tissues, including the mouth. When this happens, the body loses its ability to fight off infections like gingivitis and periodontitis.
Poor healing of oral tissues: Healing times are slower in patients with diabetes because blood flow to the treatment site can become damaged.
Thrush: Those with diabetes who often take antibiotics to fight off infections are prone to developing fungal infections of the mouth and tongue.
Burning mouth and/or tongue: Caused by the presence of thrush.
To prevent oral health problems from developing, it's important to pay special attention to your oral health. Here are some things you can do to help:
Have your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist at least twice a year.
Remember to brush your teeth after every meal and use dental floss at least once a day.
Clean dentures or retainers daily.
Control your diabetes and keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible.
Keep your doctor informed—tell your dentist the status of your diabetes and if you have had an episode of low blood sugar in the past.
Visit your primary doctor before scheduling a treatment for periodontal disease. Have your doctor talk to the dentist about your health condition.
Since the healing process can take longer in people with diabetes, follow any post-treatment instructions closely.
To learn more about diabetes and National Diabetes Month, visit niddk.nig.gov.
At Howell Family Dentist, we're committed to providing quality dental care to all patients. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.