When you hear the word “diabetes”, what characteristically comes to mind? High glucose levels. This increased blood sugar can trigger oral issues like infections and pains in your jaw, gum, and teeth. How does diabetes affect oral health?
I will tell you what is happening. Your saliva comprises glucose. When this glucose shoots up – no thanks to diabetes – the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth is enhanced.
These developing bacteria can synthesize with your food (specifically the starch and sugar components), resulting in plaque formation on the teeth.
The latter is a sticky film and notably soft. Plaques contain harmful acids notorious for attacking the dentin and enamel of the teeth.
READ: Quiz: Am I Managing My Diabetes Well?
Tartar commonly develops from hardened plaque. The progressive accumulation of such plaque (typical when the film is not removed promptly) makes it helluva work to clean between the teeth.
Consequently, the gum reddens. This reddening is usually accompanied by swelling and a propensity to bleed. This condition, termed gingivitis, is prominent in diabetes patients.
Such prominence can be traced to the body’s weakened capacity (due to the diabetic condition) to combat bacteria.
Apologies, it can still get worse. When you don’t get medical care for gingivitis, chances are high it could exacerbate into periodontitis.
The latter is a condition where pockets are formed as the teeth increasingly
separate from the gums. Furthermore, these pockets can get infected.
If not attended to, this condition can cause mammoth destruction to the bone and soft tissue supporting the teeth.
Consequently, the jawbone and gums begin to drift away from the teeth. At this point, the patient’s teeth get loose and fall off intermittently.
Periodontitis is even further aggravated in people with diabetes because the condition significantly suppresses their immunity, consequently lowering the healing rate. Oral issues are particularly prevalent in diabetes patients over 50 years old.
You can tell diabetes is causing your oral issues when you notice a mouth sore that appears to take forever to heal. More than that, holes (or dark spots) in your teeth, loosening teeth, and bad breath (which persists even after brushing) are symptoms of diabetes affecting your mouth.
READ: 5 Common Mouth Problems Found In People With Diabetes
Yes, adequate dental care can go a long way in mitigating the catastrophic impact of diabetes on your mouth. But first, you have to manage your diabetes religiously. How?
Keep a keen watch on your glucose level. The medical practitioner monitoring your diabetes should set a target level for you to aim your glucose levels at. Make sure your lifestyle and food choices are in line.
With a hand on your diabetes, your dental care can produce better results. Brushing is the most important dental care procedure in this regard.
It is recommended that you brush at least twice every day. This includes your traditional
teeth brushing in the morning, bedtime, and intervals when you eat.
Given the possibility of the acidic content of your food softening your tooth enamel, it is advisable to allow 30-35 minutes to pass before you brush after eating.
Take note, you need minimal irritation in your gum. Therefore, it is wise to adopt a soft-bristled toothbrush. Scrub gently after applying your toothpaste.
READ: 20 Real Ways to Reduce Tartar and Plaque
For the best results, use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Aside from this, ensure you procure a new toothbrush at least once every twelve weeks.
Your brushing regimen can be complemented with flossing. Flossing is immensely effective in eliminating the plaque that builds under the gumline and between the teeth.
The waxed variant is preferable for those who find it challenging to get dental floss through their teeth.
Lastly, be earnest with your dental checkup. It is recommended that you have your checkup at least every six months. Considering that people with diabetes require specialized dental care, it helps if you inform your dentist about your condition.
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