Over 37 millionAmericans arecurrentlyliving with diabetes. Every year, approximately 1.5 millionpeopleare diagnosed with type 1 or type 2diabetes, and 14% of new diagnoses are people under 20 years old.This chronic metabolic disorder leads to high blood sugar levels due to inadequate or impaired insulin production. Besides its impact on overall health, diabetes also poses significant risks to oral health.Wewill explore how diabetes affects the mouth and provide helpfultips formaintaininga healthy smile while living with diabetes.
Your Mouth withDiabetes
Diabetes impactsoral health in variousways, including:
- Dry Mouth: People with diabetes typically produce less saliva than the average person, which typically results in dry mouth. Dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, but it can also increasea patient’s risk oftooth decay, demineralization of teeth, tooth sensitivity, and oral infections.
- GumProblems:Diabetes increases the amount of glucose in saliva, causing more bacterial growth and plaque build-up. Significant plaque build-up can irritate the gums and contribute to gum disease.
- Changes in Taste:Parageusiais a taste disorder that is common among diabetics. It is characterized by a persistent metallic taste in the mouth, resulting from injury or damage to the central nervous system. Parageusiacan impair a patient's ability to taste foodsand drinks.Alternatively, patients may develop a metallic taste in the mouth as a side effect of their type2diabetes medication.
- HigherRisk of Infection: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system. Therefore, diabetics are more susceptible tosmall sores or cuts in the mouth becoming infected.
- Early Tooth Eruption: Children with diabetes tend to erupt theirpermanentteethsooner than their peers. Early eruption of permanentteeth often causescrowdingdue to inadequate space in the mouth.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
For patientswithout diabetes, good oral hygiene is generally sufficientto keep oral bacteria at healthy levels.However,diabetics often face additionalchallenges in maintaininga healthy oral bacteria balance.Prolonged periods of less-than-ideal diabetes glucose levels can tripletherisk of gum disease.Nearly 22%of all people with type 1and type 2diabetesalso have gum disease. Gum disease is an extremely destructive disease that can cause receding gums, bad breath, gum sensitivity, systematic health complications, and tooth lossif not treated. Furthermore, gum disease can cause blood sugar to climb, making it even harder for patients to manage diabetes.
Work with Your Dentist to Manage Oral Health
Regular dental care should be a priority for patients with diabetes. Treating gum disease can improve blood sugar control and slowdown its progression. Furthermore, research has shown that deep dental cleanings can reduceHbA1cfor patients with type2diabetes. Your dentist can work with you to figure out how often you should receive cleanings and checkups tomaintainoral health.
Tips to Keep Your Mouth Healthy withDiabetes
- Take your diabetes medication as directed to control blood sugar levels
- Eat healthy diet and exercise regularly
- Do not use tobacco products
- Thoroughly clean dentures or removeable bridges daily
- Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice and flossing once daily
We want to help you maintainthe healthiest mouth possible.Schedule an exam today, and our qualified staff will work with you to create a treatment plan that promotes oral health and overall well-being. Together, we can ensure your smile remainsbright and healthy while living with diabetes.
