The rate of diabetes in Canada continues to rise over the years. According to the statistics, Canada has an average of 549 new diabetes cases each day. Diabetes affects the whole body, including your teeth and gums. A high level of glucose (sugar) in your blood can put you at risk of various oral problems, including cavities and gum disease. Too much blood glucose can weaken white blood cells, the body’s primary defence against harmful bacteria that can cause oral infection.
Diabetes and Your Risk of Dental Health Problems
An uncontrolled level of glucose (also known as sugar) in your blood causes diabetes. Glucose is not only present in your blood, but in your saliva, as well. High glucose levels in your saliva allow harmful bacteria to thrive and feed on tiny food particles in your mouth, creating a soft, sticky film called plaque.
When plaque is not removed, it hardens over time and turns into tartar, which collects above the gum line. The problem with tartar is that it cannot be easily removed by brushing. Over time, the bacteria attack your teeth and gums, resulting in various oral health conditions, including:
Gingivitis
Diabetic patients have a higher risk of developing gum disease. When bacteria feast on the sugar in your mouth, it turns sugar into acids which attack the gums, causing gingivitis. Gingivitis is a minor type of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.Prevention:
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- Regular brushing and flossing
- Dental cleaning
Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis can advance to a more serious type of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis causes your gums to pull away, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive and damage the gum tissues and bones that support your teeth. The combination of poor oral hygiene, diabetes, and periodontitis can increase your risk of premature tooth loss. The problem with periodontitis is that it cannot be reversed or treated with brushing and flossing.Prevention:
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- Deep dental cleaning
- Prescription medicine
- Gum surgery for severe periodontitis
Dry Mouth
The combination of diabetes and old age can reduce the production of saliva, increasing your risk for dry mouth known as xerostomia. Women are particularly prone to this condition. The enzymes found in your saliva help fight harmful oral bacteria. A reduction in saliva leading to dry mouth causes the bacteria to grow unchecked, which puts you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as mouth sores and ulcers.Prevention:
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- Taking medicine prescribed by the dental health professional to moisten your mouth
- Rinsing your mouth with fluoride rinse to prevent cavities
- Chewing sugarless gum or mints to boost saliva flow
- Sipping water frequently
- Avoiding smoking tobacco and drinking caffeine and alcoholic beverages
- Using a humidifier to increase the moisture level in your home, especially at night
- Avoiding salty or spicy foods that worsen pain caused by a dry mout
Oral Thrush
Thrush (also called oral candidiasis) is a type of yeast infection that causes redness, white patches, bleeding, bitter and nasty taste in the mouth. This type of infection is highly contagious which is why it is important to receive immediate treatment. People with uncontrolled blood glucose and dry mouth are more at risk of developing thrush. The fungus thrives and feeds on the extra glucose in your saliva.Prevention:
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- Prescription medicine to kill the fungus
- Follow a good oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly
- Limit sugar consumption
- For people with dentures, cleaning the dentures thoroughly
- Removing and soaking the dentures into a dentist-recommended denture solution during the night
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Burning Mouth Syndrome
Diabetic patients may also experience burning mouth syndrome (BMS) accompanied by dry mouth. People, especially women aged 60 and up, are more prone to the condition. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels and the presence of thrush can cause a burning sensation inside your mouth. While this condition is not harmful, it can result in the loss of taste.Prevention:
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- Visiting your doctor or dentist who might recommend changing your diabetes medicine
- Putting your blood glucose under control
Impaired Healing
Wounds and infections in diabetic patients take longer to heal due to high blood sugar and old age. This can be a serious problem, especially after getting dental surgery, as it increases the risk of infection.
Proper Dental Care to Manage the Effects of Diabetes
The best you can do to protect yourself from various diabetes-related dental problems is to manage your blood glucose levels. In addition to keeping your blood glucose close to its normal level, maintaining professional oral care can help keep oral diseases at bay.
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and flossing after each meal and snack help remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. Avoid brushing too hard to prevent gum irritation. Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months.
Avoid Smoking
Cigarette or tobacco smokers with high levels of sugar in their blood are more vulnerable to serious complications. Smoking can increase your risk of developing thrush and periodontal disease 20 times higher than non-smokers. Cigarette and tobacco smoking can reduce the blood flow to your gums, affecting the healing process.
Visit Your Dentist Every 6 Months
Dental visits should include a thorough dental checkup, teeth cleaning, and X-rays. Regular dental visits allow the dentist to detect early signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure to let your dentist know if you have diabetes and provide them with your doctor’s contact information. If you experience any signs of gum problems, report it immediately to your dentist. Make sure to provide the dentist with a list of all your medications used to manage your blood sugar. This information helps the dentist prescribe treatment that is less likely to interfere with your current medication.
Diabetes may have long-standing effects on your oral health; but do not let diabetes control your life or affect your smile. To keep your oral health in optimal condition, make sure to talk to your trusted medical and dental health provider about your risks. Managing diabetes and taking care of your dental health can be a lifelong commitment, but you benefit by having a lifetime of bright, healthy teeth and gums!
If you have diabetes and have experienced any of these dental problems, do not hesitate to talk to a dentist or visit the nearest dental office in Brampton. Springdale Dental Centre offers a range of dental care services designed to ensure you and your family’s dental health. Call us at (905) 458-1212 to book an appointment, or give our dental clinic a visit to talk to one of our professional dentist in Brampton.
