Diabetes and Dental Health

Dental hygiene is an essential part of good health. For diabetics, problems with the teeth and gums can be more common and more serious than for the average person.

For this reason, if you have diabetes dental care is even more important, but it does not mean that you have to adopt a new or different treatment regimen.

Being aware of how best to look after your teeth is an essential part of learning to live with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes and gum diseases

 

Gum disease is a very common infection and occurs when bacteria within the mouth begins to form into a sticky plaque which sits on the surface of the tooth.

Over time, if this is not removed by regular brushing using the correct technique, a gum inflammation called gingivitis can develop.

Gingivitis

 

Symptoms of gingivitis can include:

• Red and swollen gums
• Bleeding will often occur whilst brushing.
• Gum disease will stem from untreated gingivitis, and in turn the teeth will begin to decay.

One unfortunate side effect of diabetes and high blood glucose levels is the fact that any infection in or on the body will spread more easily.

Keeping blood glucose levels under control reduces the risk of infection spreading. Unfortunately, when your body begins to fight an infection, blood glucose levels will usually rise in response. Should the infection in your mouth become worse, your food intake could be affected, further affecting your diabetes.

Thrush

 

Thrush of the mouth is also more common amongst people who have poor blood glucose control.

Ways to ensure good dental hygiene as a diabetic

 

Making sure that you visit a dentist every six months ensures that any infection will be treated as early as possible. Minor dental problems can quickly escalate, and a routine visit to the dentist will pick up on these.
In the UK, although diabetic people are more prone to dental problems, they do not receive any extra financial help for dental treatment.

Dental hygiene, diabetes, and heart problems

 

Diabetes can cause excess cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream.

If your gums also have an infection that isn’t treated quickly then bacteria from the infected gums can flow into the bloodstream.

In turn, this may intensify the speed at which arteries are clogged by cholesterol. As a diabetic, make sure that you look after both your teeth and your gums, and visit your dentist regularly.

Diabetes, the toothbrush, and brushing techniques

 

A good quality toothbrush can make all the difference to a brushing routine. Toothbrushes should have soft nylon bristles with rounded ends. They should be used gently and feel comfortable in the hand. A dentist or hygienist will have advice about the best type of toothbrush to use.

Keep your teeth healthy

Diabetes: Keep your teeth healthy 

 

Diabetes can cause changes in your mouth that affect the gums and oral tissues. Two common diseases of the mouth are:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis

These diseases begin with bacteria in the plaque on your teeth, which cause the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. If untreated, plaques spread and grow between the teeth and gums, forming pockets with toxins that cause the gums to separate from the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Gingivitis is the milder form of the two gum diseases and is often related to poor oral care. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral care.

People with diabetes who have poor blood glucose control often have severe periodontal disease. Complicating the situation is that if you have diabetes, periodontal disease can make it more difficult to control your blood glucose. Also, if you have diabetes and periodontal disease, you're at significantly greater risk of heart and kidney disease.

What is good oral care?
 

To properly care for your teeth and help prevent problems:

• See your dentist twice a year, and let him or her know you have diabetes.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Brush your tongue.
• Floss daily.
• Check for signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, redness and swelling, and tell your dentist if you experience these.

Keep brushing and flossing, and have a good health.

Day-to-Day Dental Health Care Tips

 

• Have your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist twice a year. (Your dentist may recommend a closer interval depending upon your condition.)
• Prevent plaque buildup on teeth by using dental floss at least once a day.
• Brush your teeth after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• If you wear dentures, remove them and clean them daily.
• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.

Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the mouth. The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease ; salivary gland dysfunction; fungal infections; lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease); infection and delayed healing; and taste impairment.

If your blood glucose levels are not controlled, you are at greater risk of dental problems.

Diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows down the healing process , so people who have diabetes tend to have severe cases of Periodontitis. An infection such as periodontitis may also raise blood glucose level , which makes diabetes more difficult to control. Periodontal disease may also make it hard to control blood glucose.

Dental Care and Diabetes

Dental Careand Diabetes :

The Importance of Dental Care With Diabetes :

Diabetes is a disease that can affect the whole body, including your mouth. Dentalcare is particularly important for people with diabetes because they face a higher than normal risk of oral health problems due to poorly controlled blood sugars. The less well controlled the blood sugar, the more likely oral health problems will arise. This is because uncontrolled diabetes impairs white blood cells, which are the body's main defense against bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth.

           

Ways to ensure good dental hygiene as a diabetic:

Making sure that you visit a dentist every six months ensures that any infection will be treated as early as possible. Minor dental problems can quickly escalate, and a routine visit to the dentist will pick up on these.
In the India, although diabetic people are more prone to dental problems, they do not receive any extra financial help for dental treatment.

                                                 

Dental hygiene, diabetes, and heart problems :

Diabetes can cause excess cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream.
If your gums also have an infection that isn’t treated quickly then bacteria from the infected gums can flow into the bloodstream.
In turn, this may intensify the speed at which arteries are clogged by cholesterol. As a diabetic, make sure that you look after both your teeth and your gums, and visit your dentist regularly.