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Diabetes and oral health
There are more
than 18 million people in the United States living with
diabetes, a disease in which the body does not produce or
use insulin properly.
If you have diabetes, you know the disease can affect your
eyes, nerves, kidneys and heart, as well as other parts of
your body. Diabetes can also cause oral health problems,
including tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, fungal
infections and salivary gland dysfunction.
Tooth decay and gum disease
Your teeth are covered in a sticky film of bacteria called
plaque. The bacteria in plaque releases acids that damage
teeth and can lead to cavities. If your diabetes is not
under control the high glucose levels in your saliva help
the bacteria thrive.
Brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a
day help to combat excess bacteria and plaque build-up. If
plaque is not removed with brushing and flossing, it will
harden into calculus, or tartar. When tartar collects
above the gum line, it becomes more difficult to clean
your teeth. This can result in periodontal disease, a
chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone
that hold your teeth in place. Patients who do not control
their blood sugar levels develop periodontal disease more
often and more severely. They are also more likely to lose
teeth, as compared to people who do control their
diabetes.
Speak with your dentist if you have any of the following
warning signs for periodontal disease:
-
Mouth pain
-
Gums bleed
when brushing or eating hard foods
-
Spaces
developing between your teeth
-
Swollen or
tender gums
-
Gums receding
(pulling away from your teeth)
-
Persistent bad
breath or bad taste in the mouth
-
Pus between
teeth and gums
-
Sores in the
mouth
-
Loose teeth
-
Any changes in
the fit of your dentures or the way your teeth fit
together when you bite
Fungal
infections
If you smoke, have high blood glucose levels or are
required to take antibiotics often, you are more likely to
have fungal infections.
Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection of the mouth that
frequently occurs in people with diabetes. Diminished
salivary flow and an increase in salivary glucose can lead
to thrush, white or red patches in the mouth that may be
sore or become ulcers. Thrush also attacks the tongue,
causing a painful, burning sensation.
Good oral hygiene is critical to preventing these
infections.
Dry mouth
Saliva helps wash away bacteria, provides enzymes to help
digest food, protects teeth from decay and keeps the mouth
moist. Without saliva, the bacteria in the mouth flourish.
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common complaint among
diabetic patients and those undergoing radiation for
cancer therapy. Constant dryness irritates the soft
tissues of the mouth, making them inflamed and painful.
This condition greatly increases the risk of tooth decay
and periodontal disease.
Your dentist may recommend a saliva substitute, along with
a fluoride mouth rinse to help prevent rampant tooth
decay. Using sugarless gum and sugarless mints, taking
frequent sips of water or using melted ice chips can help.
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help.
Remember…
Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft-
bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride.
If you have difficulty holding a toothbrush due to pain,
try attaching your toothbrush to an object you are able to
grip, like a tennis ball, or try, using an electric
toothbrush, which can help by doing some of the work for
you.
If you still are not able to brush and floss, speak with
both your dentist and your physician about dental
treatments. Making morning appointments may help because
blood glucose levels tend to be under better control
during this time of the day. See your dentist on a regular
basis and keep him or her informed of your health status
and medications.
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