Diabetes is a condition that can impact the functioning of your human body. You need to keep your glucose at a certain level and ensure your food intake is controlled.
If you are diabetic, you will have been told by your dentist that there is a direct correlation between diabetes and your oral health. The key link between diabetes and your oral health is high blood sugar. If you do not control your blood sugar levels, problems with your oral health are highly likely to develop.
When your diabetes is out of your control, your white blood cells begin to weaken. Your white blood cells protect your mouth from harmful bacteria penetrating the mouth.
Therefore, pay particular attention to your diabetes if you are also peculiar about your smile. This doesn’t mean that those with diabetes cannot hold a strong and shiny smile. Of course, you can, simply by preserving a strong oral routine and managing your diabetes levels.
The Four Oral Health Risks
Without diabetes control, you’re introducing four key risks to your oral health. When these risks progressively become worse, you will need dental emergency treatment, but you can prevent it from becoming worse by acting immediately.
- Dry Mouth – Dry mouth occurs when your saliva production is low. Not controlling your diabetes decreases saliva flow, which can lead to other oral health complications such as bacteria build-up, cavities, and tooth decay, conditions that progress in stages. Saliva acts as a barrier from these conditions by keeping your mouth clean by washing away food debris and bacteria to keep your mouth clean. Read here to learn other tips to increase healthy bacteria inside your mouth.
- Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease – Both Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease are individual stages of gum disease. This is an infection that damages the bone surrounding your teeth. When food debris is left on teeth, this hardens to form tartar owing to dental plaque. This causes gum irritation and your gums introduce swelling and bleeding. Gum disease is more common with abnormal blood glucose levels. Therefore, controlling your diabetes is important to avoid this, alongside making sure you brush your teeth gently every time so it doesn’t irritate the gums
- Loose Teeth – The consequence of damaged gums is your teeth becoming loose. This can impact your bite and is a sign that your bone is becoming weak. This may also mean that your mouth isn’t strong enough for cosmetic treatment.
- Thrush – Those that suffer from diabetes recently take antibiotics to fight off infections within the mouth. Infections develop something called fungus which penetrates within your saliva owing to high sugar levels and uncontrolled diabetes.
Control Your Diabetes For A Healthy Smile…
If you didn’t know that there was a connection between diabetes and your oral health, you do now. It is another reason to ensure your diabetes is controlled so your smiling confidence remains intact. Gum disease is the most common symptom for diabetic patients because tiny bacteria regularly penetrates in and around the mouth. When your gums are destroyed, your bone becomes weak and subsequently, your teeth begin to fall out.
Are you a diabetic patient seeking support with your oral health? Contact us at Parkdale Family Dental today and let us help you maintain strong oral health. Click here to check-in for an appointment today.