Ask the Dentist!
Diabetes & Oral Health
It is estimated that as many as 29.1 million people are diagnosed with diabetes and as many as 8.1 million have undiagnosed diabetes. If you are one of the ones that have been diagnosed it is important to see you dentist on a regular basis.
Patients with diabetes 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 bacteria called plaque collects at the gum line. If not removed it can harden into a what’s called tartar. If not removed it can cause a gum infection causing recession and bone loss around the teeth which can lead 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 greater in patients who have diabetes than those who do not. As a result, the infection can be more severe and difficult to control. This is why regular visits to the dentist in crucial to maintaining good oral health.
Many medications, including diabetic medications, can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth, in turn, creates an environment that is more conducive to forming cavities. In addition to being very uncomfortable, dry mouth can cause bad breath, sore tongue or throat, 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 type of 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 and must be treated with an antifungal medication. Denture wearers that develop thrush have to 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 your dentures, especially if dealing with thrush.
Diabetes can affect your mouth in other ways as well, and it can make it difficult for you to heal after certain dental treatments or if sores develop. For these reasons, it is important to keep your mouth healthy and visit your dentist regularly.
