Can Diabetes Affect My Oral Health?
If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you see your dentist regularly. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of experiencing oral health problems such as gum disease, dry mouth, cavities, and thrush. The risk of these things may be greater in people with diabetes because of changes in blood glucose levels, medications used to manage diabetes, and the body’s response to infection.
Gum Disease
Some researchers suggest that gum disease may make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood glucose levels. Gum disease develops when a thin layer of bacteria, called plaque, collects along the gum line. If you do not remove it by brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth once a day, you can develop gum disease. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can trap plaque even farther below the gum line. The only way to remove tartar, and the plaque beneath it, is by a professional cleaning at the dental office. When you have gum disease, your gums pull away from your teeth. They become swollen and tender and may bleed. In serious cases, your teeth can become loose and may even fall out or need to be pulled. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing gum disease, in part, because of the way their bodies react to infections. When an infection develops in people with diabetes, the swelling that occurs is greater than in people who do not have diabetes. This swelling can damage the gums and jaw bone beneath.
Dry Mouth and Cavities
When you have diabetes, you may take a number of medications. Any of these medications may cause dry mouth. In addition to being uncomfortable, dry mouth can cause bad breath, sore tongue or throat, and trouble chewing, speaking, or swallowing. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that has fluoride and cleaning between your teeth once a day may help lower the risk of getting cavities. Fluoride is important. It strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities.
Conclusion
Diabetes can affect your mouth in other ways as well, and it can make it difficult for you to heal after certain dental treatments or if oral sores develop. For these reasons, it is important to keep your mouth healthy and to visit your dentist regularly.