Diabetes | Proper Oral Healthcare

Friday, October 26, 2007

There are many people who are diagnosed with diabetes each year. Diabetes can have an effect on your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart as well as other parts of the body. Diabetes also has a major effect on your oral health if your blood sugar levels are not managed well. In this article, we will discuss what are the oral health problems that diabetics face as well as tips for proper dental care for people with diabetes.

Common oral health problems diabetics face are:

Tooth decay– Decay in the teeth is caused by bacteria. The bacteria feeds on sugar and produces waste in the form of acid. This waste is what demineralizes, (eats away at the hard outer layer of the tooth called enamel), causing decay. If there is an increased level of glucose in the saliva due to diabetes not being managed properly and/or through consuming foods and beverages that contain sugars, the bacteria will thrive, increasing the risk of decay developing in the teeth.

Gum disease– Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis is one of the many periodontal diseases that affect the teeth, gum tissue, and bone. If left untreated, Gingivitis can lead to more serious diseases that can cause tooth and bone loss. To read more of what causes gingivitis, the symptoms of gingivitis, and the treatment for gingivitis, please read my article, Gingivitis|What is .

Thrush – Thrush is a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth. The yeast feeds on the sugars found in saliva and foods and beverages that are consumed. The fungus that causes thrush is found naturally in the body. If the diabetes is not managed properly, increased levels of glucose can cause the yeast to flourish.

Lichen planus – Lichen planus is a skin disorder that causes lesions in the mouth. A more severe form of Lichen planus can cause painful ulcers to develop and erode tissue.

Dry mouth – Dry mouth is often a symptom of diabetes that has been undetected or untreated. When there is not enough moisture in the mouth, the oral tissues begin to dry out which can lead to soreness, ulcers, increased plaque production, increased tooth decay, and infections.

Infection – Because diabetes causes the blood vessels to thicken, interfering with blood flow, diabetics often have a hard time fighting infection. Infections can develop anywhere in the body, including the mouth. This is why it is very important for diabetics to take care of their oral health by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine.

Taste impairment – Because diabetics can sometimes lose their taste for sweets and sugars, they tend to consume foods with higher levels of sugar or consume sugary foods more frequently than they would otherwise. This can lead to increased problems with their oral health as well as overall health.

Proper dental care for diabetics:

The teeth should be brushed at least 3 times a day, after every meal. If you are not able to brush your teeth after consuming foods or beverages, it is important to at least thoroughly rinse the mouth with water, making sure to brush the teeth as soon as possible. A soft bristled toothbrush should be used. Brushing your teeth before bedtime and flossing are very important. It is recommended to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.

For more information on proper brushing and flossing techniques, please read, Proper Teeth Brushing Technique

Floss each time you brush your teeth or consume food. By brushing and flossing at least 3 times a day, you reduce the risk of plaque build-up and tarter developing which can lead to tooth decay, as well as keep your gums healthy, reducing the risk of gingivitis or periodontal disease developing.

Visit the dentist at least every 6 months for a professional exam and tooth cleaning. For some diabetics, it is recommended that you visit the dentist every 3-4 months.

Maintain a healthy diet. A healthy diet is vital to maintaining sugar levels and managing the disease.

If you wear dentures or partials, it is very important to keep the appliances clean. It is also important to make sure the denture(s) or partial(s) fit properly. If they do not fit properly, irritation, sores, and ulcers can develop on the gum tissue. Infections can also develop.

Before any dental procedure, it is important to take antibiotics to help prevent infection. Make sure your dentist is aware of your diabetes.

It is very important for diabetics to maintain good oral hygiene habits as well as properly manage their glucose levels. Increased sugar levels in the saliva can lead to increased levels of tooth decay, gum disease, and/or the development of fungal infections such as Thrush.