Many of the nearly 24 millions of the Americans who have diabetes may be surprised to know that there is a two-way connection between diabetes and dental problems.
Whenever you have dental problems, your body produces cytokines (Specific proteins secreted by cells of your immune system) which cause resistance to insulin and as such it becomes very difficult to control blood sugar. Conversely, if you already have diabetes, it reduces your body’s ability to heal itself and therefore enhances the risk of dental infections.
Diabetes affects teeth and gums
Our mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria and when these bacteria interact with carbohydrates such as glucose, sucrose and lactose or starches elaborate on carbs: sugar, etc. in the food, a thin film called plaque develops which is the breeding ground for many harmful bacteria. The acids in the plaque also attack enamel, the thin lining of the teeth, resulting in tooth decay. The high content of sugar in diabetic patients causes more acid production and therefore causes increased wear and tear of the enamel resulting in cavities.
If you fail to clear the plaque regularly by brushing and flossing, deposition of tartar takes place damaging your gum line, and in diabetes, the high content of sugar in the blood makes the bacteria grow due to compromised immunity status. The more the buildup of the tartar, the more your gums become irritated causing inflammation resulting in red, sore and swollen gums which bleed when you brush your teeth. The situation may become worse, if dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing are not done.
When inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis is left untreated, this will result in more serious infection called periodontitis which infects the soft tissue of the bone that supports your teeth. This damages your gums and teeth resulting in bleeding gums, bad breath and loss of teeth.
Recognizing dental problems
You may have dental problems if your gums hurt when brushing and appear red and swollen. The gums may pull away from teeth making it look longer here it’s okay because this is a way to identify the problem. If you have bad breath, it means that dental hygiene is not proper. Thrush, a mouth infection caused by fungus, a member of a large group of organisms that include microorganisms such as yeast and molds, is also a common problem in people with diabetes. Diabetics may also experience dry mouth due to decreased flow of saliva, which may result in mouth ulcers and cavities.
Keep up your dental hygiene and have a reason to smile
For keeping dental problems at bay, it is important to manage your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar within the limits. Take medications as advised by your doctor.
For maintaining dental hygiene, make it a point to brush your teeth morning as soon as you get up and at night after your dinner before you sleep, preferably after having meals and snacks. Do not damage your gums by using a hard brush. Use a soft tooth brush and a tooth paste that contains fluoride. If you keep false teeth, clean them regularly. Get your teeth cleaned by a dentist at least twice a year, once in six months. This will prevent build up of plaque. In order to prevent development of any plaque, floss your teeth at least once a day. If you have any problems with your gums and teeth, consult your dentist. If you are a diabetic, smoking increases the risk of serious diabetes complications including gum disease. Consult your doctor as to the ways you can quit smoking.
Dental problems worsen diabetes
If you have periodontitis, an infection of the soft tissue of the bone that supports your teeth, it will be difficult for you to control your blood sugar as it increases the blood sugar levels. Periodontal disease causes the inflammatory signals in the body to increase which in turn enhance blood sugar levels, making your body function with increased blood sugar levels for increased periods of time. If periodontal infection is treated successfully, then need for insulin may be reduced resulting in better control of diabetes.
Make the two-way into no way
Whether you are a diabetic or a patient with dental problems or both, you can block the two-way link between the two provided you are aware of the related diseases, and take necessary steps to control your blood sugar levels and any dental problems by maintaining proper dental hygiene. Make it a point to consult your doctors on your diabetes and also regarding your dental hygiene and strictly follow their advice. Either way you can bring back the smile!
