Diabetes requires patients to maintain their glucose levels to a certain threshold, including through their food and drink. The keyword here is glucose, also known as sugar, and we all know just how damaging sugar can be to your oral health.
Should you be diabetic, if you’ve consulted your dentist to understand how it impacts your oral health, the answer is that there is a direct correlation between diabetes and your oral health, and that’s your glucose levels. Major studies have also backed this theory up as well. Should your glucose levels not be controlled, problems with your oral health will begin to develop.
White blood cells will become weaker and harmful bacteria penetrate your system when you do not control your diabetes. So, how does this impact your smile? We’re not suggesting that diabetes will forever damage your teeth and gums, because through strong oral routines whilst managing your diabetes levels, this will reflect in your smile.
If not, there are certain oral health risks to be aware of which can progressively get worse. This means needing emergency treatment should you not act. Let’s take a look at what the potential implications are with diabetes and your oral health.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the advanced stage of gum disease which can penetrate inside your gums and to your bone. This happens when food particles and bacteria remain inside the mouth, forming dental plaque and eventually into tartar. You’ll begin to experience gum irritation, inflammation, and swelling. It is important to note that gum disease is common for diabetic patients where their glucose levels aren’t controlled. With gum irritation, it is important that you brush your teeth gently around them.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is a condition where there’s a lack of saliva in the glands, causing your mouth to feel dry. This is a common condition for those who experience dehydration, but it is also common for those who do not control diabetes. Saliva is important because it helps to digest your food, and if food remains inside the mouth, the plaque and bacteria will begin to build. Therefore, always ensure you’re regularly hydrated whilst managing your diabetes.
Teeth Falling Out
When bacteria penetrate inside your gums, your teeth are in danger of falling out. This is because the underlying bone is losing its density and strength, causing your teeth to become loose. If you were thinking about cosmetic treatments to resurrect your smile, this is highly unlikely to happen.
Thrush
Diabetic patients take antibiotics to battle off infections inside the mouth. When infections develop, the fungus penetrates inside your saliva. The formal term for fungus is Oral candidosis. They’re unlikely to cause any harm, but they could remain in the mouth for a minimum period of 14 days.
These are key oral health risks that can occur if you do not control your diabetes. Controlling your glucose levels is one way to boost healthy bacteria in the mouth. If you do this, your smiling confidence will remain intact with strong gums and teeth. You’ll begin to feel your teeth becoming loose, and this is the indication of your gums and bone becoming weaker.
If you’re seeking support with diabetes and want further advice on how it impacts your oral health, check in with us today at Pennant Hills for an appointment. Click here to get in touch.