Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. It can lead to serious health complications such as cardiovascular issues, stroke, blindness, and nerve damage. In addition to diabetes, other medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking can also cause damage to oral health.

High glucose levels can break down the collagen matrix that forms the supporting structures of teeth, causing it to break down faster. This is called periodontal disease. Diabetes causes a greater risk of tooth loss due to the breakdown of gum tissues that supports the teeth. If gum disease goes untreated, it can eventually cause the loss of the tooth. Gum disease can also cause inflammation in the surrounding tissue of healthy teeth, causing gum recession, which exposes the delicate roots of the teeth and causes sensitivity.

How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?

People with diabetes are at an increased risk for gum disease, which is the most common infection in the mouth. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup around teeth that then causes inflammation of the gums, an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. This infection can quickly spread through the mouth and eventually result in tooth loss as well as a number of other critical health concerns such as heart disease or stroke.

There are two major types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that only affects a few areas of the mouth, while periodontitis occurs when there is a widespread infection of the gum tissues. Periodontitis can lead to the loss of teeth and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

How To Protect My Oral Health if I Have Diabetes?

If you have diabetes and notice any changes to your oral health, be sure to contact your dentist. Many diabetics experience dry mouth due to medications or insufficient saliva production, which can increase their risk for cavities and other serious dental health issues. A combination of good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to the dentist can help reduce your risk of tooth decay and other complications.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste to protect against decay. Additionally, you should floss your teeth once a day to clean the areas between the teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach. You should also clean your tongue gently with a tongue scraper to keep your mouth clean and reduce your risk of bacteria growth. Rinsing with an anti-microbial mouthwash can also help prevent tooth decay.

Your dentist may recommend additional treatments if you have poor blood glucose control or if you have other risk factors for gum disease. These may include antibacterial mouth rinses and topical antibiotics that help treat infection or disease.

Ardent Dental Arts, located in Englishtown, NJ, is equipped with expert dentists and the latest amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (732) 627-4108 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about dental treatments provided by our dentist.