Your Mouth and Diabetes
People with high blood pressure, diabetes - those are conditions brought about by life style. If you change the life style, those conditions will leave- Dick Gregory
People with poorly managed diabetes are more likely to face dental problems in comparison to others. They are more susceptible to bone and gum infection, because diabetes has the tendency to decrease the supply of blood. In addition, high level of sugar can produce a dry mouth. The reduction in saliva levels can lead to an increase in plaque buildup and tooth-decaying bacteria.
What are the signs of dental problems during diabetes?
Diabetes can weaken the body's ability to combat bacteria inside the mouth. Having high sugar levels encourages bacteria to breed and contribute to gum problems. You are susceptible to gum disease if you,
How to prevent dental problems?
The best way to prevent dental problems from occurring is to take good care of your teeth and gums. Here are a few tips for avoiding dental issues:
Go for bi-annual checkups:
People who have diabetes are prone to oral infections. To avoid such concerns, you should get yourself checked at least twice a year. Regular cleanings and checkups can help you in keeping a healthy mouth. You must also let your dentist know that you are diabetic. The expert will teach you the best ways to take care of your gums and teeth at home.
Control plaque built-up:
Sticky plaque begins to form on your teeth, discharging acids that infect tooth enamel. Untreated plaque eventually converts into tartar, which becomes hard to remove. The longer the plaque stays, the more harmful it becomes. Bacteria inside plaque can cause inflammation and can lead to gum problems. Diabetics are prone to suffering because of plaque built-up.
Quit smoking:
Tobacco is bad for your oral health. But if you are diabetic and you smoke, you tend to develop a greater risk of gum disease. Tobacco has the ability to cause receding gums and can damage gum tissue. It can also quicken tissue and bone loss, leading to tooth loss.
Prepare well for an oral surgery:
Properly controlled blood sugar levels can speed up healing and reduce your risk of infection. In case you have to undergo oral surgery, tell your surgeon about your blood-sugar problem beforehand. Your dentist may ask you to wait to have surgery till the time your blood sugar levels are under control.
Regular dental checkups are very important because a dental expert can easily spot a gum disease even if you don't have any symptoms or pain. However, you should inspect your gums and teeth yourself for early signs. Infections have the tendency to move fast. If you see swelling, redness, bleeding, dry mouth, loose teeth, pain, or any such oral symptoms that raise an alarm, speak to your dentist immediately. Also, make sure the person you go to is experienced and well-qualified.
People with poorly managed diabetes are more likely to face dental problems in comparison to others. They are more susceptible to bone and gum infection, because diabetes has the tendency to decrease the supply of blood. In addition, high level of sugar can produce a dry mouth. The reduction in saliva levels can lead to an increase in plaque buildup and tooth-decaying bacteria.
What are the signs of dental problems during diabetes?
Diabetes can weaken the body's ability to combat bacteria inside the mouth. Having high sugar levels encourages bacteria to breed and contribute to gum problems. You are susceptible to gum disease if you,
- Loose teeth
- Gums that are sore, red, swollen, or bleeding, or that pull away from your teeth
- Bad breath
- Irregular bite
How to prevent dental problems?
The best way to prevent dental problems from occurring is to take good care of your teeth and gums. Here are a few tips for avoiding dental issues:
Go for bi-annual checkups:
People who have diabetes are prone to oral infections. To avoid such concerns, you should get yourself checked at least twice a year. Regular cleanings and checkups can help you in keeping a healthy mouth. You must also let your dentist know that you are diabetic. The expert will teach you the best ways to take care of your gums and teeth at home.
Control plaque built-up:
Sticky plaque begins to form on your teeth, discharging acids that infect tooth enamel. Untreated plaque eventually converts into tartar, which becomes hard to remove. The longer the plaque stays, the more harmful it becomes. Bacteria inside plaque can cause inflammation and can lead to gum problems. Diabetics are prone to suffering because of plaque built-up.
Quit smoking:
Tobacco is bad for your oral health. But if you are diabetic and you smoke, you tend to develop a greater risk of gum disease. Tobacco has the ability to cause receding gums and can damage gum tissue. It can also quicken tissue and bone loss, leading to tooth loss.
Prepare well for an oral surgery:
Properly controlled blood sugar levels can speed up healing and reduce your risk of infection. In case you have to undergo oral surgery, tell your surgeon about your blood-sugar problem beforehand. Your dentist may ask you to wait to have surgery till the time your blood sugar levels are under control.
Regular dental checkups are very important because a dental expert can easily spot a gum disease even if you don't have any symptoms or pain. However, you should inspect your gums and teeth yourself for early signs. Infections have the tendency to move fast. If you see swelling, redness, bleeding, dry mouth, loose teeth, pain, or any such oral symptoms that raise an alarm, speak to your dentist immediately. Also, make sure the person you go to is experienced and well-qualified.
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