Ask the Dentist!
Diabetes & Oral Health Tips
It’s estimated that 29.1 million people are diagnosed with diabetes and 8.1 million have undiagnosed diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you must see your dentist regularly because you are at a higher risk for problems such as gum disease, dry mouth, cavities and thrush.
Gum disease is an infection below the gum line around your teeth. Gum disease develops when a thin layer of bacteria called plaque collects at the gum line. If not removed, it can harden into what’s called tartar. If not removed, it can cause a gum infection causing recession and bone loss around the teeth, leading to tooth loss. Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing gum disease, in part, because of the way their bodies react to infections. When an infection develops, the reaction to the infection is more significant in patients who have diabetes than those who do not. As a result, the infection can be more severe and difficult to control, so regular dentist visits are crucial to maintaining good oral health.
Many medications, including diabetic medicines, can cause dry mouth. A dry mouth, in turn, creates an environment more conducive to forming cavities. In addition to being very uncomfortable, dry mouth can cause bad breath, sore tongue or throat, and trouble chewing, speaking or swallowing. Cavities, and recurrent cavities, can form on root surfaces and under or around existing restorations. Flossing, brushing and daily use of fluoride will help keep new cavities from forming. Regular dental visits and cleanings are a must.
Thrush is a yeast infection that diabetic patients are at a greater risk of developing. It appears as white and red patches on the tongue and the insides of the cheeks. It can cause a painful, burning feeling that must be treated with an antifungal medication. In addition, denture wearers that develop thrush must be extra diligent in cleaning their dentures since the fungus that causes thrush can attach and live on the surface of dentures. Follow your dentist’s instructions on cleaning and caring for dentures, especially when dealing with thrush.
Diabetes can affect your mouth in other ways, making it difficult to heal after specific dental treatments or if sores develop. For these reasons, keeping your mouth healthy and regularly visiting your dentist is essential.