A study reveals that 34 million people in the USA have diabetes. Thousands of cases are diagnosed in children and late adolescence. Besides developing other diseases in your body, diabetes impacts your dental health. The link between diabetes and dental health problems is high blood sugar. The former weakens blood cells, the body’s defense mechanisms shielding infections in the mouth. The blog discusses how diabetes affects dental health.
Symptoms Of Gum Disease
You have lower resistance to oral infections and healing capacity if you have suboptimal blood glucose levels. Hence, being a diabetic, you must always be in alert mode. Consult a professional dentist Encino if you notice the following symptoms:
- Continuous discharge coming from your gums.
- Gums turn ing loose.
- Red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
- Loose teeth.
- Space is opening up between your teeth.
Discuss the issues with them comprehensively so that they can prescribe the treatment suited to your requirements.
How Diabetes Affects Dental Health
As discussed above, diabetic people are more likely to suffer oral problems. A dental health professional understands what it takes to combat these problems. This section discusses how diabetes affects dental health.
Less Saliva Is The Breeding Ground Of Bacteria
If you have diabetes, your condition can decrease saliva flow in your mouth, leading to a dry mouth. Saliva helps cleanse away bacteria from your mouth, and a lack of it may lead to infections and tooth decay.
Fungal Infections
Dry mouth develops Oral thrush. Symptoms of oral thrush include white patches of plaque on the soft tissues around the teeth and gums.
If you have diabetes, your resistance to infection weakens, resulting in a dry mouth. An Encino dentist can prescribe antifungal medications to combat this issue.
Poor Healing Of Oral Tissues
If you have a loose grip on diabetes, you may find it challenging to heal quickly after any dental procedure or oral surgery. Diabetic conditions disrupt the blood flow to the treatment region, resulting in further complexities.
Gingivitis And Peridontitis
Diabetes weakens the white blood cells, thickens blood vessels, and slows the flow of waste products from body tissues. This combination of events weakens the body’s resistance against infectious diseases.
People with diabetes develop severe gum disease more frequently. In this situation, it is better to stay under the watchful eyes of a dental professional.
What Preventive Measures You Could Take
Being diabetic, you are prone to disrupting your dental health. Hence, following good oral practice and keeping a watchful eye on adverse developments is vital. Here we leave you with a few suggestions:
Firstly, keep your blood sugar levels close to normal. Whenever you visit your dentist, update them about your recent diabetes status. You must be aware of your glycosylated hemoglobin (HgA1C) levels. Brief your dentist regarding episodes of low blood sugar and your last insulin dosages.
Inform your dentist about the list of doctors you consult and the dosages of medicines you take.
If you have diabetes, you have to be patient with your healing process. Yes, prevention is complex. Our dentists are professional, understands your body condition, and offers advice tailored to your requirements.
