Diabetes has affected millions worldwide, making it a common occurrence. Individuals with diabetes cannot control blood sugar levels on their own. Hence, they rely on medicines and insulin to do that job. However, the inability to control glucose level inevitably translates into some heightened oral hygiene problems. Even so, a few early symptoms of diabetes occur in the mouth, so if one keeps a keen eye on their oral health, they can get diabetes diagnosed early with treatments underway.
Conditions Related To Diabetes That Leads To Oral Problems.
As this article will discuss and unravel the relation between diabetes and oral health, keep in mind these three phenomena that can explain the association handsomely:
- Spikes in Blood Glucose: With the inability to control glucose levels, there comes a possibility of high glucose in the blood and other bodily fluids like saliva and urine.
- Weakened Immune System: Diabetic patients also inhibit a weakened immune system. Hence, there is a delay, prolonged, and ineffective response against infections. This leads to a buildup of disease and also increases the reliance on medicine for their treatment. Moreover, people with diabetes also have a poor blood clotting response.
- Low Saliva Production: Another common consequence of the disease is a dry, burning mouth with low saliva levels. Moreover, whatever the amount of saliva that is present, the secretion is rich in glucose.
By covering three pertinent consequences, we can now explore how diabetes affects oral health.
Diabetes And Periodontal Diseases:
Diabetes boosts gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Deposits of food debris promote the growth of bacteria that infect gums. Hence, with a weakened immune system, gingivitis progresses faster, and the lack of blood clotting adds salt to the injury. Therefore, many experience produced bleeding from swollen gums.
Diabetes And Tooth Decay:
Our saliva is a natural antiseptic with an astounding ability to deal with most tooth decaying bacteria. However, with low saliva levels and high saliva glucose, everything goes haywire. Glucose in saliva means abundant sugary food for decay bacteria, and low saliva translates to lower competition. Hence, if left unchecked, tooth decay can spread like wildfire.
Diabetes And Oral Thrush.
Thrush is an infection caused by Candida yeast. Again a lowered immunity allows Candida to grow substantially and results in the development of Oral Thrush.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene:
With diabetes on the tail, you are required to be alert about your oral health and blood glucose. It would be best if you brushed your teeth daily with a toothpaste recommended by dentists. Moreover, it would help if you use mouthwash to serve a dual function by combating bacteria and getting rid of bad breath.
However, more importantly, you need to keep your glucose level within optimal limits. This can help to limit the march of oral problems. Consequently, with proper precautions, you can have a smile that many will envy. However, for optimum protection, it would be best if you give us a visit. Here we can develop a strategy suitable to your condition. Therefore call Bayside Dental at 979-330-4113 for more inquiries and to book an appointment.