Diabetes is a type of metabolic condition that keeps the body from properly regulating blood sugar. Most people just think diabetes affects your energy, weight, and diet, but it actually changes many other important bodily functions. The symptoms of diabetes can greatly impact a person's ability to maintain their oral health. Keep reading to find out more about how diabetes influences your oral health.
How the Different Types of Diabetes Affects the Body
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share the same name, but they are distinctly separate conditions. In type 1 diabetes, people are born with an overactive immune system that attacks the pancreas and stops it from producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops over time. It happens when the body becomes less sensitive to insulin even though the pancreas is producing plenty of insulin. Without the ability to use insulin, both types of diabetes cause high blood sugar spikes. The excess glucose in the blood can cause damage to cells of the body, result in high blood pressure, impair healing, and even cause strokes or comas.
The Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health
Diabetes affects oral health because it impairs the body's ability to properly care for the mouth. The immune system is not as prompt to fight off bacteria, allowing infections to flourish. Oxygen rich blood does not travel as effectively to cells in the body, so tissue in the mouth may struggle to grow or heal properly. People with chronic high blood sugar can end up with nerve damage that keeps them from properly sensing when there is an issue in their mouth. Another problem is that the fluid balances throughout the body are thrown off because the body is trying to dilute overly sugary blood. This can prevent a person from forming enough saliva which is needed to protect the enamel of the teeth.
Oral Health Problems Caused by Diabetes
There are heightened risks for almost all oral health problems in patients who have diabetes. Due to chronic dry mouth, the enamel of the tooth wears away, resulting in root caries and cavities. The combination of an impaired immune system and high sugar levels lets bacteria flourish that cause gingivitis and oral fungal infections. A particularly concerning issue is that people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease as their gums get infected by oral bacteria. This can lead to abscess deep in the bone, tooth loss, and other types of painful conditions that may permanently alter oral health. Since diabetic patients cannot heal as easily, simple problems like a mouth ulcer can last for months and continue to grow. Without the ability to easily notice pain, even basic dental problems can turn into huge infections that eat away as much of the tissue in the mouth.
How to Keep Diabetes From Affecting Oral Health
Prevention for diabetes-related oral health issues relies on three different things. First of all, it is important to get your diabetes treated. You will need to take the time to monitor your blood sugar regularly, take medications at the proper time, and use diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. It is also very important to practice good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Try to avoid smoking, keep any dentures clean, and avoid eating excessive amounts of sugary or acidic food. The final step in preventing major oral problems is routine checkups. Your diabetes can keep you from noticing problems and stop wounds from healing, so you need to have regular dental checkups to address small problems before they worsen.
What to Do If You Have Diabetes-Related Oral Health Problems
Because oral health problems can spiral out of control so quickly if you have diabetes, you need to promptly seek treatment for any issues you notice. Any discomfort, bleeding, discoloured patches on the gums, or dark spots on the teeth may be a sign for concern. It is a good idea to mention to your dentist that you have diabetes, so they can make sure you get the right treatments. Visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in South Ottawa to learn more about how you can take charge of your oral health. Contact us today to book an appointment!
