Diabetes Dental Care – Taking Care Of Your Teeth For Diabetics

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is essential for everyone, but even more so for people with diabetes.  People with diabetes may face more dental problems if their blood sugar levels are poorly controlled.

Maintaining Oral Health with Diabetes

Maintaining oral health is a critical part of having diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing gum disease, or periodontal disease, due to high blood sugar levels. Gum disease can lead to infections, receding gums, and even tooth loss without proper care and attention.

Fortunately, people with diabetes can protect their teeth and gums by following the appropriate oral hygiene routines. It’s essential to brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and floss nightly. Smokers should also quit as it increases their risk of gum disease. Regular dental checkups are crucial for people with diabetes because they can detect early signs of gum disease that would go unnoticed otherwise.

It’s also essential for those living with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels to keep their mouth healthy.

Link Between Diabetes and Dental Decay

Dental decay is a common issue for many individuals, but it can be especially concerning for those with diabetes. Studies have found that individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing dental problems than those without the condition. Recent research suggests that there may be a link between diabetes and dental decay.

Recent studies suggest that elevated sugar levels in saliva could play an essential role in developing cavities and other oral issues among people with diabetes. Research has shown that diabetic patients often have more glucose in their salvia than non-diabetics. The excess sugar is thought to provide bacteria with an ideal environment that allows them to grow rapidly and produce acids that attack tooth enamel, eventually leading to cavities.

Top Tips for Diabetic Dental Care

Having diabetes can impact the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Maintaining proper dental care for those living with diabetes is highly important for overall health and well-being. Here are some top tips to consider when caring for your teeth if you have diabetes.

First off, it’s essential to keep up with regular dental check-ups. Seeing a dentist every six months will help them keep an eye out for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease related to diabetes. Secondly, brushing and flossing regularly should become part of an everyday routine. This helps remove plaque from the teeth and prevents cavities from forming or worsening. If possible, aim to brush after each meal or snack throughout the day, as this can help reduce sugar levels on the surface of your teeth.

Common Dental Problems for Diabetics

Diabetes is a common and serious health condition that can have a profound effect on overall health. For those with diabetes, it is especially important to pay special attention to oral hygiene, as the condition can cause an increase in dental problems. Common dental issues for diabetics include gum disease, dry mouth, infections and cavities.

Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues faced by those with diabetes. It occurs when plaque buildup causes gums to become inflamed and infected. Diabetes makes it harder for body to fight infection which leads to increased gum problems. Dry mouth is another issue that diabetics often experience due to high blood sugar levels causing the salivary glands not producing enough saliva leading to decay or infection over time if left untreated.

Role of Diet in Diabetes Dental Care

The role of diet in diabetes dental care is an important consideration for those living with diabetes. Research has shown that people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. As such, it is essential to understand how a balanced diet can help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and lean proteins helps maintain blood glucose levels within a healthy range. This reduces the risk of developing cavities or gum disease due to high blood sugar levels. It also improves overall health by providing essential nutrients that support strong bones and teeth while reducing inflammation in the body associated with periodontal diseases like gingivitis.

Regular Check-Ups: Essential for Diabetics

Regular check-ups are essential for diabetics, as they help to monitor and manage their condition. Without regular check-ups, diabetes can lead to serious health complications that may be life threatening. It is important for diabetics to attend all scheduled doctor’s appointments in order to track their progress, receive medical advice and guidance on how best to manage their diabetes.

During the check-up, the doctor will review current blood sugar levels, any medications being taken and changes in weight or diet. The doctor may also discuss lifestyle habits such as exercise options that might aid in controlling the condition. In addition, tests such as a hemoglobin A1C test and an eye exam may be performed in order to assess long term blood sugar levels and any damage done by high glucose levels.

Dental Problems Linked With Diabetes

People with uncontrolled diabetes are at higher risk of the following conditions:

• Gum Disease.  Also known as gingivitis.  People with uncontrolled diabetes are at higher risk of gum disease as they are less resistant to fighting infections.  Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums which is caused by plaque that irritates the gums.  Periodontal disease is a more advanced form of gum disease.  Gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease if not properly managed.  While gingivitis is inflamed gums, periodontal disease is inflammation of the bone surrounding and supporting the teeth.  Loss of this bone structure can lead to the teeth becoming loose and eventually need to be removed.
• Poor healing after oral surgery.  Poor healing is due to the poor blood flow at the site of the surgery.  They may not be suitable candidates for implants as the failure rate is much higher in people with diabetes.  Smoking further impacts the rate of healing for diabetics.
• Dry mouth.  Also known as xerostomia.  Diabetes can lessen the flow of saliva.  One of the signs of xerostomia is a dry or burning sensation in the mouth.  Dry mouth can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay (or holes in your teeth).  Saliva protects the teeth against decay by cleansing the mouth of food particles that are left after eating.  If this food is left against the teeth for long periods of time, this can lead to decay of the teeth.
• Oral fungal infections.   Fungal infections in the mouth such as thrush are common in people with uncontrolled diabetes.  People with diabetes often have a higher level of sugar in their saliva which the fungus thrives on.  Diabetics who regularly take antibiotics for infections are also at higher risk of developing thrush.

Dental Care and Diabetes

Taking proper care of your teeth and gums is extremely important. Here are some tips for looking after your teeth if you have diabetes:

•  Control your diabetes as well as possible and see your doctor regularly.
• Thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss your teeth at least once per day.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Twice per year is standard, but your dentist may recommend seeing you more regularly than that. Inform your dentist of the status of your diabetes. As uncontrolled diabetes can affect the rate at which you heal, this can impact the treatment they perform on you. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a dental hygienist have your professional cleans done. Hygienists are highly trained in looking after the health of your gums. They can also advise you on how best to look after your teeth at home.
• Bring an up-to-date list of all medications you are taking and the dosages.
• Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of dental complications for people with diabetes. Talk to your doctor about quitting.
• If you wear dentures, be sure to remove and clean them every day. Do not wear them to bed.
• Make sure you are well hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure your mouth is not too dry. This will also help to remove food particles from the teeth after eating.