You might know that diabetes can cause harm to your heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes and other vital organs of your body. But, do you know that the condition can cause severe harm to your dental health? Are you a diabetic and suffering from dental problems? Want to know more about the link between diabetes and your dental problems? Here is the information…
It is reported by many studies that diabetics are more vulnerable to oral and dental problems than non-diabetics. And diabetics who don’t control their blood sugar levels tend to have increased oral and dental infections.
The most common dental and oral health problems associated with diabetes are:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease like gingivitis and periodontal disease- Diabetics are at greater risk of periodontal disease. It infects gum and bone which hold your teeth in place. It leads to painful chewing difficulties. It can even lead to tooth loss.
- Infection to dental and oral health and delayed healing
- Salivary gland dysfunction
- Taste impairment
- Thrush-It is a fungal infection of the mouth, often occurs in people with diabetes which can affect your dental health too.
- Dry mouth- It happens due to decreased saliva flow to the mouth. Dry mouth causes ulcers, ulcers, infections and tooth decay
How diabetes affects your oral and dental health?
A sticky film called as plaque with full of bacteria and germs forms on your teeth due to high glucose levels. High blood glucose levels help all these bacteria and germs to grow more and more. These germs cause swollen gums, soreness, bleeding gums etc which slowly becomes more severe and leads to other dental and oral health problems.
How can you know you have dental damage due to your diabetes?
If you see the following problems, know that you have dental damage due to your diabetes.
- Swollen gums
- Red and sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitive or loose teeth
- Gums separated away from your teeth
- Bad breath
What can you do to control your dental and oral problems if you are diabetic?
- Control your blood glucose levels properly which is the key prevents all your dental and oral problems.
- Inform your dentist about your diabetes.
- Get your dental health checked by your dentist twice a year.
- Visit dentist if you think you have problems with your teeth or gums.
- Take care of your oral health properly.
- Take care of your teeth and gums properly.
- Know the proper techniques of brushing and flossing.
- Do use dental floss at least once a day. Flossing helps you in preventing plaque build ups on your teeth
- aIf you are wearing false teeth, be sure to keep them clean.
- Smoking worsens all these oral problems linked to diabetes. Do try to quit smoking.
