Diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar level is very high. Blood sugar or glucose comes from the food that is consumed. Insulin that is secreted from the pancreas helps in the absorption of glucose into the cells for energy. When insulin secretion is less, then this glucose stays in the blood and its quantity in the blood stays high. Having too much blood sugar causes different health problems like heart diseases, stroke, kidney diseases, eye diseases, nerve disease and dental diseases. In fact every part of the body is affected.
Oral diseases due to Diabetes and their care
As mentioned, Diabetes brings on diseases to almost every part of the body. This is because it is the blood sugar level of the body that is affected. Like other parts it disturbs the oral and dental health of a person. There is no proper cure for Diabetes, it can only be managed. It is important that along with managing blood sugar, oral care should be given importance.
This condition is commonly seen in those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Reduced saliva production results in dry mouth. A very dry tongue, reduced moisture in the mouth and constant pain, sores and infection in the mouth and chapped lips are all symptoms of dry mouth. A high level of blood glucose in the blood increases the occurrence of dry mouth. Managing the level of sugar in blood helps reduce dry mouth. Medications can also sometimes lead to dry mouth, it must be monitored. Sipping in a little amount of water, reducing sugar in the food consumed, eating the right type of food to maintain the correct level of blood sugar are all helpful in controlling dry mouth.
Dental caries or tooth decay is the damage caused to the core of the tooth. Decay is caused by bacteria acting on sugar from the food debris in the mouth. Bacteria act on the sugary substance and produce acid and this acid acts on the tooth surface. If large amounts of sugar are present in the mouth, then bacterial action is increased manifold. People with diabetes have high blood sugar levels and also a high level of sugar in the saliva and this increases tooth decay. Those with diabetes who consume a high amount of sugar and carbohydrates will have increased chances of dental decay. Continued and good oral care is important to keep the mouth clean. This will help in reducing the bacterial action in the mouth and prevents plaque/tartar formation. Plaque and tartar formation also leads to cavities and tooth decay.
Gum inflammation/Gum diseases
Gum inflammation and gum diseases refer to the condition in which the health of the gums are affected. They become swollen and red and also infected. The infection by bacteria along the gum lining would be one of the primary causes of gum diseases. When a person has diabetes, then the gums have a higher inflammatory behaviour compared to those who do not have diabetes. If this infection is not treated, then it can erode the bone and lead to loss of teeth and also affect the health of the gums. If the blood sugar level is high and it is not under control, inflammation of the gums would recur and bad breath due to infection would be a common symptom. Treatment with antibiotics or surgery would be needed depending on how advanced the disease is.
Thrush is a fungal infection in the oral region. This is caused by high blood glucose levels as this condition helps the growth of the fungus. A Dry and irritated mouth also helps to increase the infection to a greater level. People with diabetes generally have a weak immune system and this also works against the infection from reducing. Some of the symptoms that are noticed when a person has thrush is an inflamed tongue, creamy white patches on the mouth, painful sores in the mouth and cracked lips. Swallowing and consuming food becomes painful and so also brushing and flossing. These white patches when noticed on any part of the mouth must be checked by a dentist and treatment should begin as soon as possible. This will help the infection from spreading.
Delayed healing of oral diseases
People with diabetes have a faulty immune system. It is not able to provide the same extent of support to fight disease or help in the recovery processes when compared with that of a normal person. The blood flow is affected due to the high blood sugar level and also lower level of white blood cells. White blood cells are the backbone of the immune system. The function of the white blood cells gets affected and this in turn will lead to a prolonged healing process. When the healing process is delayed, there are chances of more infections in the mouth. It is important that blood sugar level is monitored and care should be taken to keep it the optimum level.
First and foremost regular dental consultations are important. During consultations, if you are diabetic then it must be discussed with the dentist. Brushing twice a day preferably after meals is important, this will help to remove food debris that is stuck in the mouth. Flossing will also help in maintaining better oral hygiene. While brushing, care must be taken to ensure that the bristles of the brush are not too hard, they can irritate the soft gum tissues. This can invite more infection in the gums. A self-examination to notice any signs of inflammation of the gums or fungal infection in the mouth will help in the early detection and treatment of the disease. Checking with the dentist on any symptoms that a diabetic should watch out for is also helpful. Taking care of food habits and consuming less sugary food will help to reduce the high level of sugar in the blood.