Diabetes and Dental Health

November is National Diabetes Month, which reminds each of us to take care of both our physical AND dental health. Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing oral health issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. Diabetic patients have higher levels of glucose in their saliva, which can allow more plaque to form on their teeth until decay occurs. To combat this issue, it’s important that you control your diabetes, establish a good oral hygiene routine and meet with your dentist regularly. Learn about the oral health issues that diabetes can cause and how to treat them with this guide!

What Diabetes Does To The Body

One of the fastest growing medical problems in the United States is diabetes, which not only has physical consequences but poses potential oral health issues, as well. Whether you’re young or old, diabetes can affect you at any stage in life. Currently, there are 29.1 million people living with diabetes in the U.S., and more than 8 million don’t even know that they have it. Diabetes is a condition in which your body’s ability to process sugar, called glucose, is affected. This can cause weight loss, fatigue, frequent urination, extreme thirst and/or hunger, blurry vision, slow healing and pain or numbness in the hands and feet. Of course, there are various types of diabetes, such as Type 1, Type 2 and gestational, but the most common is Type 2. While Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the inability to produce insulin in the body, Type 2 diabetes causes insulin resistance as the body stops responding to the hormone. Both of these processes cause extremely high blood sugar levels in the body, which can lead to problems with your eyes, nerves and heart. Gestational diabetes has similar symptoms as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but it only occurs in pregnant women and can develop at any stage during pregnancy. Most women who experience gestational diabetes are over age 35 or have a family history of it, but any healthy women can develop it, as well. All three forms of diabetes have serious consequences on the body, especially when left uncontrolled, and should be treated by a medical professional.

How Can Diabetes Harm Dental Health?

While it’s well known that diabetes has significant physical effects on the body, many don’t realize that diabetes damages oral health, too. Since diabetics have high blood sugar, that results in weakened white blood cells, which are necessary in defending the mouth against bacterial infections. Additionally, diabetics have higher amounts of glucose in their saliva, which gives bacteria more opportunities to feed on sugar and create decay-causing plaque. This leads to tooth decay, gingivitis and gum disease, which can all be painful and expensive to treat. Other oral health problems tend to follow diabetics, as well, like dry mouth and thrush. Dry mouth can cause ulcers and tooth decay while thrush (a fungal infection) grows easily in the high-sugar environment that saliva provides in the mouth, which leads to burning sensations on the tongue. Most of these oral health issues develop when diabetes is left uncontrolled, but they can still occur even if you’re staying on top of the disease. Knowing what oral hygiene practices you should be doing each day and how often you should see the dentist will greatly decrease your risk of these complications. Making the proper changes in your life today will ensure that your mouth stays healthy and happy for years to come.

Tips To Protect Teeth From Decay

It’s nearly impossible to predict when and if diabetes will develop, but once it does, it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep your oral health in check. Since diabetics have higher levels of sugar in their mouths, this means that brushing and flossing will need to be a daily part of your oral hygiene routine, no matter how tired or busy you are. Brushing and flossing your teeth helps remove the decay-causing plaque and food particles that attach themselves to your teeth each day. Plaque builds up much more quickly in those who have diabetes, so brushing and flossing is a must. Additionally, you will need to visit your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings at least every six months, if not sooner. These checkups provide your dentist the opportunity to examine your mouth for signs of decay, disease and even oral cancer. Plus, your teeth can get a thorough cleaning that will keep plaque and decay at bay for another few months until your next checkup. Following these oral hygiene guidelines will reduce your likelihood of experiencing decay and gum disease while giving you a clean, radiant smile.

Maintain A Confident Smile With Our Help!

At Stonebrook Family Dental, we’re committed to your oral health goals and can help you navigate your dental needs after a diabetes diagnosis. Call our office at (303) 872-7907 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Varley and get the proper treatment you need to combat the effects of diabetes on teeth. Don’t let disease ruin your smile-call our office today to get your oral health back on track!