If you wonder does diabetes affect your teeth, your concerns are not without justification. Those with diabetes are likely to face complications related to oral health. The risk of cavities and other dental problems increases manifold for such people. Therefore, they need to exercise more caution.
Dental problems can also make worse your diabetic condition. It may lead to other health complications like heart diseases and kidney problems. So, you need to practice an excellent oral hygiene routine. Also, pay regular visits to your dentist to ensure that any underlying condition gets timely treatment.
Common dental problems resulting from diabetes
Below are the ways diabetes affects your teeth and destroys your oral health:
Gum diseases
Diabetic people often suffer from gum diseases. When you are at an early stage of gum disease, your gums become red and bleed often. Bacteria grow on sugar.
A higher sugar level in your blood means more sugar in your saliva. It contributes to the growth of bacteria that causes plaque formation. It exposes you to the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum problems.
Periodontitis
If you fail to control sugar and do not adopt a strict oral care routine, the typical gum disease takes a more severe form. It is commonly known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can make you lose your teeth.
As the plaque builds up, it creates a gap between your gums and teeth. Bacteria fill this gap and severally attack your mouth. It is a dangerous situation that demands the immediate attention of a dentist.
Dry mouth
Saliva produces enzymes that prevent the growth of bacteria. Diabetic people often have a dry mouth, especially at an old age. Diabetes combined with old age reduces saliva production.
It encourages the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum problems. Dry mouth may also become a reason for ulcers.
Thrush
High blood sugar can also cause a fungal infection known as thrush. It produces painful red or white patches on your tongue. This problem can become more severe if you smoke or take antibiotics.
Wound healing
Diabetes also slows down the wound healing process, making it a double-edged sword for your dental health. It increases the risk of infections and makes their treatment difficult. It leads to severe complications.
How can diabetic people prevent mouth problems?
Diabetes badly affects your teeth, so you need to be extra careful. Below are the tips that can help diabetic people prevent dental problems:
- Strictly follow the advice of your doctor concerning medication and diet. It helps you regular your blood sugar level.
- Visit your dentist regularly to ensure that no dental problem goes unchecked. Communicate to the dentist about your diabetes and medication.
- Take measures to prevent mouth dryness. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- You need to quit smoking. Otherwise, it will gravely damage your dental health.
- Maintain a good oral care routine. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and clean your teeth twice a day.
- Flossing also plays an essential role in maintaining good oral health. You need to floss your teeth at least once a day.
How often should people with diabetes go to the dentist?
It is essential for people with diabetes to visit the dentist regularly. It ensures that everything remains under control. You need to get your teeth and gums cleaned every six months. Your dentist may recommend a higher frequency if he identifies some trouble.
What are the symptoms of high blood sugar?
People with high blood sugar are likely to experience the following:
- They may get thirsty more frequently.
- They may also need to go to the washroom more often. It becomes painfully laborious for people with old age.
- People with diabetes experience decreased productivity due to excessive fatigue.
- Their heartbeat is also faster than a healthy individual’s.
- They will also complain of a dry mouth.
What drink lowers blood sugar levels?
People with diabetes need to be extremely careful with their diet. They need to avoid regular soda or energy drinks. These drinks boost blood sugar levels and also grievously affect your teeth.
However, some drinks can help you with diabetes. These contain no sugar content and are low in calories. You can use them to quench your thirst, improve overall health and regulate blood sugar levels. These drinks include:
- Water
- Seltzer water
- Herbal tea
- Unsweetened coffee
- Unsweetened tea
- Low-fat milk
- Green smoothies
- Sugar-free lemonade