If you have diabetes, you probably already know that diabetes is a disease that can have a huge impact on the whole body, including your oral health. One of the many challenges of living with the disease is an increased risk of oral health problems, and practicing good dental hygiene is critically important when you have diabetes. At Woodside Dental, in Ventura, California, we express to all our patients how important it is to practice good daily oral care routines and to visit the dentist for cleanings twice per year – and it is especially so for those living with diabetes. With proper daily oral self-care, and regular professional care from your dentist, you can help keep your smile healthy, and even slow the progression of diabetes symptoms in your mouth. Read on to learn more about the diabetes – dental health connection, and how Woodside Dental can help you keep your mouth healthy!
How Does Diabetes Impact Overall Health?
Like many other chronic illnesses and diseases, diabetes is a disease that can have a huge impact on whole body health – including oral health. The biggest risk to oral health caused by diabetes is high blood sugar which, if left unchecked, can raise your risk of developing oral health problems. Unmanaged diabetes can weaken white blood cells which are the body’s main line of defense against bacterial infections that can be found in the mouth.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Oral Health?
When you eat food, your body turns that food into sugar and uses it for energy; diabetes affects your body’s ability to process that sugar. In Type I diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that carries sugar from your blood to the cells that need it for energy. In Type II diabetes, the body stops responding to insulin. In both cases, the result is high blood sugar levels, which can then cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, and other parts of your body. Diabetes can also increase your risk of dental disease and other symptoms that show up in your mouth. Your mouth, in fact, may be the first place you notice the warning signs of diabetes.
What Are The Signs That Diabetes Is Affecting Your Oral Health?
- Dry Mouth – While dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, it can also be a sign of diabetes. Studies have found people with diabetes produce less saliva, leaving them feeling parched or extra thirsty. Because saliva protects your teeth, low saliva levels can lead to other oral health issues, including cavities.
- Gingivitis and Gum Disease – Research has shown gum disease can worsen if your blood sugar is not under control, such as for individuals with undiagnosed diabetes. If you notice your gums become inflamed and bleed often, it may be an early sign of gum disease, and it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with your dentist.
- Problems with Tasting Food – If you notice a change in your ability to taste food, it may be an indication of a larger issue, including diabetes. If you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth, it’s important to see your dentist or doctor.
- Delayed Wound Healing – If you have a cold sore or a cut in your mouth that doesn’t quite seem to go away, this could be a sign of diabetes as well. When blood sugar is not properly controlled, it can keep injuries from healing quickly and properly. If you have something in your mouth that you feel isn’t healing as it should, you should see your dentist.
- Increased Susceptibility to Infection – Diabetes affects your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infection, including those inside of your mouth. One common infection among people with diabetes is a yeast infection called oral thrush (candidiasis), which looks like a white layer coating your tongue and the insides of your cheeks. It’s important to see your dentist if you think you have thrush or any other mouth infection.
- Early Tooth Eruption – For children with diabetes, teeth may erupt at an age earlier than is typical.
- Tooth loss – Diabetes can lead to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss in advanced cases. Studies show that total tooth loss is linked to diabetes in one of five cases.
How Can You Minimize the Impacts of Diabetes on Your Dental Health?
- Practice a good daily oral care routine: Make sure to brush twice a day and floss your teeth daily.
- If you wear dentures, clean them each day.
- Avoid smoking.
- Control your blood sugar levels: Good blood sugar control will help your body fight any bacterial or fungal infections in your mouth and help relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes. To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, use your diabetes-related medications as directed, adopt a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise.
- See your dentist for regular checkups: Regular dental visits are important, and research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in patients living with diabetes, decreasing the progression of the disease.
While diabetes can have significant impacts on your health, including the health of your mouth, the good news is there are several things you can do to decrease your risk. At Woodside Dental, in Ventura, California, we are here to be your partners in oral health, and we want to help you keep your mouth, and your entire body, healthy. If you are experiencing any issues such as the ones detailed here, we encourage you to come in for a visit. Our patients value the gentle manner and professional approach of our doctors and hygienists, and our office’s clean, comfortable environment. Give us a call at (805) 647-1322 or click here to book an appointment today!
