Know About Diabetes And Oral Health

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which a person has high blood sugar either because insulin production is inadequate or because the body’s cells do not respond appropriately to insulin.

Impact of diabetes on oral health

Diabetes affects various organs and parts of the body, such as the eyes, kidney, heart, and nerves, and can also be extremely damaging to one’s teeth. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes can make oral problems worse. In fact, gum, bone, and tooth loss are all very genuine concerns for people who are suffering from this disease.

There are numerous bacteria, which reside on the surfaces of the mouth, such as one’s teeth, tongue, and gums. When sugar is in the mouth, plaque formation can occur because of the bacteria feeding on it. Each time a person eats food, the sugar or starch in the mouth interact with the plaque to produce acids that attack the enamel, which is the hard surface of the teeth. Continuous, frequent acid attacks on the teeth can lead to the formation of cavities. When a person has high glucose levels, there are greater amounts of sugar in the mouth to help the acid in wearing down at the enamel which increases the risk of infections.  

Gum disease is another problem with diabetics. It can cause a condition called gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. Usually, a person with diabetes, loses the ability to fight off. Efforts must be made to remove the bacteria or plaque in the mouth. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can form tartar.

Ways to deal with oral problems:

• Maintaining the blood sugar level

• Consuming a healthy diet

• Cleaning the teeth and gums, twice a day, with toothpaste that contains fluoride

• Using dental floss or interdental cleaners every day to clean between the teeth

• Not keeping the mouth dry by drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production

• Avoiding smoking

• Visiting a dentist every 6 months