Diabetes is actually a lifelong condition impacting over 30 million American citizens. Most diabetics seem to be aware of several potential health complications associated with the disease but they may not at all be aware of the potential risk to dental or overall oral health. Often, patients do not know that they are diabetic and that is why they are more susceptible to certain periodontal complications and issues. In fact, diabetics are at least two or maybe three times more susceptible to periodontal disease. If you are diabetic, higher blood sugar levels would be adversely affecting your entire body and that may include your teeth, as well as, gums. However, the good news is that prevention is very much in your own hands.
People who suffer from uncontrolled diabetes would naturally take relatively longer in healing from oral sores and gum diseases. They are more susceptible to bone and gum infections. High blood sugar increases your risk of post-surgery infections and could imply that planned dental surgery should be put on hold until the patient’s blood sugar levels are stabilized and under control. Also, all sorts of emergency dental procedures should be postponed accordingly.
What Are the Oral Symptoms Indicating Diabetes?
It is your dentist who may be the first person to notice diabetic symptoms including red swollen or sore gums, gums receding from the teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath, sensitive teeth, bite change or ill-fitting dentures. Diabetes could actually be confirmed and treated effectively by a physician. Once your blood glucose levels are under control and well-regulated, you should make it a point to go for regular checkups to both your dentist and the physician. Get in touch with family dentistry Aurora Company if you are looking for a reliable dentist.
Reasons Why Diabetes Triggers Dental Issues
As per the dentists, weakening of gums, gum inflammations, red and white patches are some of the ill-effects of diabetes. Individuals with poorly managed diabetes are greatly exposed to dental issues. They are definitely more prone to gum and bone infection as diabetes would be reducing and restricting blood supply to your gums.
Medications for the treatment of diabetes could trigger dry mouth that in turn could lead to increased incidence of cavities. It is essential to go for yearly dental check-ups and get cleaning done every six months to max a year for enhancing gum health and restricting tooth decay and cavities. Advanced oral diseases demand frequent dental care. You could browse the yelp page for locating a reputed dental care services for effective dental solutions.
Diabetics should try and give up smoking for good. Smoking could precipitate gum diseases and hence, should be avoided after the age of 45. It is essential to manage diabetes for maintaining good dental health and overall good oral health. You must keep in mind that diabetics are exposed to a higher risk of developing periodontal diseases compared to others. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels would prove to be really difficult for combating bacterial infections.
Precipitates Plaque Build-Up
Plaque is supposed to be a clear and a sticky bacterial layer that accumulates on the teeth. It could lead to serious infections if not removed on a regular basis. Gum disease is often initiated thanks to the plaque. If your sugar levels are going haywire you need to take more care of your oral health as the risk for oral diseases seems more.
Triggers Gingivitis
This is a kind of gum disease that is the outcome of a plaque and tartar build-up on the gums and teeth. If you are suffering from diabetes, it is more difficult to control plaque bacteria. Diabetic patients are highly susceptible to gum diseases. It is essential to visit your dentist if you suffer from any of these complications and symptoms:
- Gums that would be bleeding easily
- Red gums
- Swollen or sore gums
Leads to Periodontal Disease
If gingivitis is not attended to and treated timely, it could turn into periodontics. This is a severe type of gum disease. Periodontal diseases are supposed to be gum and bone infections. In advanced stages, you would experience painful chewing issues including tooth loss as it would be pulling away from your gums from your teeth. This would loosen and weaken the teeth. Just like any other infection, gum disease would be making it difficult to keep blood sugar in check.
Serious periodontal issues could even trigger changes in the very shape of gum tissue and bone. The gum would be becoming uneven. Dentures may not be fitting properly because of this. Diabetics often encounter the problem of sore gums due to dentures.
Is Diabetes Impacted by Oral Health?
Yes, certainly diabetes could be impacted by oral health. An infection such as gum disease may be impacting your blood sugar. It is, therefore necessary to emphasize on good oral care at home. It would be effective in safeguarding your oral health and keeping your diabetes under control.
Effective Dental Care for Diabetics
Diabetics must make it a habit to visit their dentists every six months if not more frequently if advised by your doctor. Frequent dental examinations are necessary for detecting issues early and start the treatment at the earliest.
Tips for Proper Dental Care for the Diabetics
- Stay committed to managing your diabetes.
- Keep monitoring the blood sugar levels constantly and follow the dictates of your physician to keep the issue under control. If your diabetes is nicely controlled the risks involving gingivitis and all other kinds of dental issues would be minimized and taken care of.
- Consider brushing your teeth twice daily preferably, once at bedtime and when you get up, first thing, in the morning. Brushing your teeth post some snacks and meals is a good habit.
- Always use a toothpaste containing fluoride and use a nice soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Avoid scrubbing vigorously.
- Replace your toothbrush with a new one every three months, at least. You could think of buying an electric toothbrush to facilitate proper brushing.
- Daily flossing is a must for eliminating plaque. Seek regular dental appointments. Locate early signs associated with gum disease.
- Always report gum disease symptoms to your own dentist. Avoid smoking as it makes you more prone to diabetic complications.
Conclusion
You need to dedicate yourself to the efficient and effective management of diabetes. Maintain proper dental care at all times. Do not worry as all your efforts would be rewarded in the long run, with healthy gums and teeth. If you are suffering from high blood sugar, then use blood glucose meter. It could effectively safeguard your oral health and keep blood sugar levels under control.