Diabetes and Teeth: What You Need to Know

When you have diabetes, your body cannot produce enough insulin, and the cells in your body cannot respond properly to the insulin produced. As a result, glucose remains in your blood rather than being converted and stored as energy. This excess glucose can cause damage to many different organs of the body, including the teeth. Diabetes and teeth are sometimes related and can cause teeth issues such as:

Gum disease

Gum disease is a common dental problem that occurs in people with diabetes. The same bacteria that causes tooth decay causes gum disease and is often the first sign of a more severe problem. Gum disease can have many symptoms, including red or swollen gums, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth or floss, bad breath, and loose teeth.

If you have warning signs, getting gum disease treatment as soon as possible is essential. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe problems in the mouth and even other parts of the body. It also increases your risk of developing a potentially deadly bacterial infection called sepsis.

Diabetes and tooth decay

When the body has high glucose levels in the blood, the amount of acid in the mouth increases; this causes plaque to stick to teeth and harden into tartar. Tartar is a form of dental calculus that contains bacteria and food debris, which can lead to tooth decay. The bacteria in tartar can also cause gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss—bacteria forms in dental plaque, which forms a sticky film on the teeth. Bacteria in the plaque produce toxins that attack the gums and jawbone that hold teeth in place. Periodontitis can cause your tooth to loosen and fall out if left untreated.

Thrush

This is a fungal infection of the mouth that rises from yeast Candida albicans. Thrush develops on the tongue and inside of the cheeks. It also causes a white coating on the tongue and inside the mouth.

Dry mouth

Most people with diabetes also tend to suffer from loss of saliva, a condition known as xerostomia. Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense against tooth decay; therefore, a lack of saliva will cause cavities to form more easily. To help prevent this condition, drinking plenty of water and eating foods that stimulate saliva flow is essential.

Oral cancer

Diabetes increases a person’s chance of developing oral thrush. If left untreated, oral thrush may lead to oral cancer (or may be a cancer symptom). Oral thrush is often mistaken for sores or other lesions, leading to an early diagnosis of oral cancer in people with diabetes.

Osteoporosis

Diabetes causes the body to excrete more calcium in urine than average, leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become weak and brittle due to low calcium levels, causing them to fracture easily. This condition can make teeth more prone to breaking as well.

Tips for Good Dental Health for Diabetics

While there are many increased risks that people with diabetes face, there are things they can do to mitigate or severely reduce the impact of diabetes on their teeth.

Manage sugar levels

Following your doctors’ instructions and keeping blood sugar at a good level can help manage diabetes. Therefore, you are less likely to develop dental problems if you can control your blood sugars well.

Brush your teeth regularly

One of the best things you can do for your teeth is to brush them twice daily. You should also make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by your dentist. Always get a new toothbrush after using it for three months.

Floss properly

Another essential part of your oral health care routine is flossing. You should floss your teeth at least once a day, preferably at night before bed.

Regularly visit the dentist 

It would be best if you visited the dentist every six months for a check-up, cleaning, and X-rays. Your dentist can spot any issues early and recommend a treatment plan.

Brush your tongue

While brushing your teeth is essential, you should also brush your tongue. Your tongue can also become infected with bacteria, and it’s essential to keep it clean to avoid dental problems such as tooth cavities.

Avoid smoking

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs can make it harder for the body to fight off infections causing tooth decay or gum disease.

Eat a healthy diet

Reduce the sugar and starchy foods you eat and eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products to help strengthen teeth.

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can affect all aspects of a person’s life. Diabetes has become more prevalent in this country as the general population ages, and younger people are diagnosed with diabetes. One can do many things to prevent the complications of diabetes, including practicing good dental care for diabetics. If you live in the metro Detroit area and have diabetes and questions about your dental health, contact your local Fortson Dentistry location and set up an appointment today.