How Diabetes and Dental Health Relate To Each Other
Sunday, September 7th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Diabetes is a major contributor to gum disease, which in turn leads to tooth decay if action is not taken early. Diabetes makes it difficult for the mouth’s immune system to function properly, and the mouth becomes a prime breeding ground for germs. Conversely, it is believed that gum disease will make diabetes harder to control. This is because the germs that cause gum disease also produce a substance that changes how the cells process carbohydrate. Some researches also indicate that the bacteria responsible for gum diseases increases blood glucose levels as well as insulin resistance in the body.
Without proper control over blood sugar levels, diabetics leave themselves exposed to myriad dental problems. The first problem will be dry mouth, which is not only uncomfortable but doesn’t help to minimize the effect of sugar in the mouth. Dry mouth conditions also encourage the growth of bacteria. All of these problems lead to tooth decay. Diabetics must continually monitor and control their blood glucose levels for many reasons, and added to that list is the need to have healthy teeth and gums.
Because people with diabetes generally have poor blood circulation, they might not feel any pain or discomfort until their dental problems are at an advanced stage. As such, the diabetic should analyze their mouths and look for any of the following:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Bleeding whenever brushing or flossing teeth
- Pus oozing from gums
- Teeth that seem to be longer than normal or seem to be moving away from each other
- For denture wearers, look out for loosely fitting pieces or dentures that no longer fit the way they used to
Diabetics who are not in control of their sugar level will find that, over time, they will get severe toothaches. This happens because the blood flow to the gums is reduced. The ramifications to toothaches are obvious – you’ll not be able to chew properly due to pain. If you can’t chew, you might be tempted to skip meals or not eat a well balanced meal.
If you notice any of these signs you need to see your dentist immediately. Like everyone else, the person living with diabetes must visit their dentists at least twice per year.
Whether or not you’ve diabetes you should develop good dental care habits. This means brushing and flossing daily. Use a soft-bristled brush so that you reduce the chance of irritating your gums. Ideally, you should try to brush at least twice per day and once being before going to bed. Make sure to brush your gums and tongue as well. To make sure that your toothbrush is in good condition, change it every three months. Flossing once a day is also vital to good dental health. Always rinse thoroughly after flossing to remove food particles from between the teeth.
With over ninety percent of the adult population in the USA having some form of dental problem during their lifetime, one can image how these figures can become compounded when you factor in the size of the diabetic population. If you want to keep your teeth, you need to begin paying special to your dental hygiene as well as control your blood sugar levels. Controlling blood glucose levels is a strong begin to ensuring you don’t lose your teeth to rot, and taking the time to check your mouth for signs of periodontal disease can help prevent many problems.
To learn more go to Causes of Diabetes and at Manage Your Diabetes
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