Mouth diabetes and control

Do you know that diabetes can affect any part of your body?  Do you know that out of the estimated 20  million people that have diabetes, only two-third  of these individuals are diagnosed?   Studies have shown that oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients? And, do you know that this is because diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems.

But the good news, according to medical experts is that you can prevent most of these problems by keeping your blood  sugar under control, eating healthy, being physically active, working with your health care provider to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control, and getting necessary screening tests.

Most times, the question has been, how can diabetes affect my mouth? Too much glucose also called sugar, in your blood from diabetes can cause pain, infection, and other problems in your mouth. Your mouth includes; your teeth, your gums, your jaw and tissues such as your tongue, the roof and bottom of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks.

When diabetes is not controlled, high glucose levels in your saliva help harmful germs, called plaque, grow. Plaque also comes from eating foods that contain sugars or starches. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay or cavities. Other types of plaque cause gum disease.

People with diabetes can have tooth and gum problems more often if their blood glucose stays high. Also, smoking makes it more likely for you to get a bad case of gum disease, especially if you have diabetes and are age 45 or older.  People with diabetes are also prone to other mouth problems, like fungal infections, poor post-surgery healing, and dry mouth. Since infections can also make your blood sugar rise, your diabetes may become even harder to control. Experts say, keeping your mouth healthy can help you manage your blood sugar.

Maintaining healthy mouth

You can help maintain your mouth by keeping your blood glucose as close to normal as possible, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing once a day. Keep any dentures clean. Get a dental cleaning and examination twice a year, and tell your dentist that you have diabetes. Call your dentist with any problems, such as gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or pulling away from the teeth; any possible tooth infection; or soreness from dentures.

Best time to receive dental care

If your blood sugar is not under control, talk with both your dentist and physician about receiving elective dental care. Dental procedures should be as short and as stress free as possible. Also make morning appointments because blood glucose levels tend to be under better control at this time of day. If you have a scheduled appointment, eat and take your medications as directed. See your dentist on a regular basis, keep him or her informed of your health status and keep your mouth in good health.

Tobacco products — including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and pipes — are bad for anyone’s mouth. But if you have diabetes and you smoke, you are at even greater risk of developing gum disease. Tobacco can damage gum tissue and cause receding gums. It can also speed up bone and tissue loss, leading to lost teeth. Motivate yourself to quit. Remember, well-controlled diabetes contributes to a healthy mouth.