Tooth & Gum Care in Diabetic People: Maintaining a Healthy Smile
Posted Apr 22, 2024 by Dr. Mini JoseSmile Bright, Stay Healthy: Your Guide to Dental Care with Diabetes
If I may, the mouth is everything in the human body! With speaking and eating abilities, the two main functions of the mouth, survival becomes easier.
Oral care often takes a last seat on the list of priorities for most individuals. Without proper attention to oral hygiene, germs can travel in one's mouth to any extent, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
That said, did you know that diabetes and oral care go hand in hand? One may not have thought in the wildest dreams that diabetes, a chronic condition, can prove to be dangerous for oral health care. But people who have diabetes may know how diabetes has been affecting the teeth and gums of millions of people worldwide.
Just like the way an entire body checkup is done and managing blood sugar levels is considered a paramount activity, oral health hygiene should also be given utmost importance. Diabetic patients are at extreme risk for varied dental issues. In this article by Chitra Multispeciality Dental Clinic, we highlight the connection between diabetic people and the gum diseases they undergo by offering knowledge-based insights into oral hygiene.
Understanding Diabetes and its impact on oral health
If you have diabetes, make sure you get a dental checkup. People with diabetes are prone to periodontal (gum) disease, which is an infection between the gum and the bone holding the teeth. Periodontal gum disease can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, bad breath, consistent tooth pain, a fungal infection called thrush, chewing issues, tooth breakage and tooth loss. Diabetes affects and slows down the healing process of gum disease.
Dry mouth occurs due to a shortage of saliva, leading to various diseases and infections, such as ulcers, tooth decay, soreness and more. If someone is a smoker, the problems are even more serious. Diabetes may also lead to an increase in the sugar level.
Gum disease in diabetic people can prove to be a serious concern. The process starts with gingivitis, followed by inflammation, which ends with bleeding gums. It is noticed that the gums swell and bleed while brushing and flossing. When the swollen gum is left untreated, it goes on to cause periodontitis, which is again a gum infection discussed above. Periodontitis is known to harm the bone and ligaments surrounding the teeth as well.
Reasons why people with diabetes are an easy target for gum diseases
Blood sugar level : After an eating activity, the bacteria that sits on the teeth, forming a sticky layer, is known to be hungry for sugar. When the blood sugar is spiked, it is known to feed the bacteria, keeping them healthy and growing. When the bacteria grows, it leads to inflammation
Weak immune system : Diabetes is known to weaken the immune system, thus making it hard to fight with bacteria
Slow Healing : Due to high blood sugar, a diabetic patient's body is unable to heal the gum disease in the mouth. This allows the gum disease to grow and spread rapidly in the mouth.
How to identify Gum disease in a diabetic
- Red, swollen, tender, and sore gums
- Subsiding gum
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing the teeth
- Loose or shaky teeth
- Consistediseases, eath
- Change noticed while eating between jaw and the bite
- Unfitting dentures
- Pus formation between teeth and gums
Stages of gum diseases
Gingivitis : The initial stage of gum disease is known to be the gingivitis stage. It goes on to swell and become red, and one experiences soreness. One may experience loss of blood while brushing or flossing daily.
Mild Periodontitis : When gingivitis is not treated at the right time, it leads to mild periodontitis. This creates a hole between the gums and the teeth, where the bacteria make a home for themselves. When bacteria settle, the bone around the teeth tends to be eaten up quite rapidly.
Advanced Periodontitis : When mild periodontitis is not treated, it reaches an extreme stage where significant bone loss is noticed. The teeth loosen, and the way the bite is taken changes each time.
How to prevent Gum diseases and keep your mouth and teeth healthy
At Chitra Multispeciality Dental Clinic, we emphasise the importance of a meticulous oral hygiene routine and why it should be followed regularly. The chances of gum disease for diabetics can be drastically reduced with the following preventive measures:
Brushing and flossing daily : Start brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush on each side for almost 2 to 3 minutes daily. After brushing, flossing below the gums to remove the plaque and resting food particles between the teeth is also essential. These two activities, performed twice a day, can improve your oral hygiene drastically.
Regular check-ups at the dental clinic : Dental checkups are often missed when one does not experience any pain in the tooth. However, dental check-ups at regular intervals are a must for maintaining healthy teeth and a healthy oral lifestyle.
Controlling blood sugar : One must exert ongoing efforts to maintain and control blood sugar levels in the body by exercising, eating a proper healthy diet and taking the right medication.
An honest discussion with the doctor : Share the medicines with the doctor. If one changes the medication, it must be openly shared with the dental doctor so that they can determine the causes and effects of the medication on the body in the long run.
Dentures : If someone is wearing dentures, removing and cleaning them daily is a must.
Smoking : Going to state the obvious but quit smoking and half your problems will be solved.
Hydrate : Hydrate yourself as much as possible throughout the day to keep your gums protected.
Mouthwash : Consider using a mouthwash as recommended by the dental doctor.
Healthy diet: Opting for a healthy diet and limiting sugary food, drinks and processed foods goes a long way in protecting your gums against diseases especially when you have diabetes.
Chitra Multispeciality Dental Clinic: Your Partner in Diabetic Oral Care
At Chitra Multispeciality Dental Clinic, we understand the problems each individual goes through and every aspect of oral health. Our experienced team of dentists carry out a detailed examination to assess your oral health and find any serious issues concerning your oral health. We specialise in a treatment plan when needed based on your dental history and needs.
We implore you to take care of your teeth and mouth to ensure you smile confidently throughout your life. A healthy mouth supports breathing, speaking and eating, keeping you and your mood happy overall. Contact us today and fight diabetes with a confident smile. A smile that is guaranteed by Chitra Multispeciality Dental Clinic.
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