How Does Diabetes Effect Dental Health?

Diabetes is a major contributor to gum disease, which in turn leads to tooth decay if action is not taken early. Diabetes makes it difficult for the mouth's immune system to function properly, and the mouth becomes a prime breeding ground for germs. Conversely, it is believed that gum disease will make diabetes harder to control. This is because the germs that cause gum disease also produce a substance that changes how the cells process carbohydrate. Some researches also indicate that the bacteria responsible for gum diseases increases blood glucose levels as well as insulin resistance in the body.

Diabetes, if not managed properly, will lead to various issues with dental hygiene. The first problem that diabetics face with oral hygiene is periodontal disease. Irregular glucose levels in the blood indirectly causes less saliva in the mouth and the diabetic will be prone to dry mouth. The drier your mouth is, the less saliva you have to neutralize salivary sugars, which lead to the development of ulcers. Monitoring blood glucose levels is an important part of controlling diabetes and maintaining healthy teeth and gums to prevent rot.

Because people with diabetes generally have poor blood circulation, they may not feel any pain or discomfort until their dental problems are at an advanced stage. As such, the diabetic should examine their mouths and look for any of the following:

• Tender or swollen gums
• Bleeding whenever brushing or flossing teeth
• Pus oozing from gums
• Teeth that seem to be longer than normal or seem to be moving away from each other
• For denture wearers, look out for loosely fitting pieces or dentures that no longer fit the way they used to

Diabetics who are not in control of their sugar level will find that, over time, they will get severe toothaches. This happens because the blood flow to the gums is reduced.  The ramifications to toothaches are obvious - you will not be able to chew properly due to pain. If you cannot chew, you may be tempted to skip meals or not eat a well balanced meal.

If you notice any of these signs you need to see your dentist immediately. Like everyone else, the person living with diabetes must visit their dentists at least twice per year.

Whether or not you have diabetes you should develop good dental care habits. This means brushing and flossing daily.  Use a soft-bristled brush so that you reduce the chance of irritating your gums. Ideally, you should try to brush at least twice per day and once being before going to bed. Make sure to brush your gums and tongue as well. To make sure that your toothbrush is in good condition, change it every three months. Flossing once a day is also vital to good dental health. Always rinse thoroughly after flossing to remove food particles from between the teeth.

The percentage of adult Americans who have had some form of dental or gum disease is staggering. Oral hygiene is a must to preventing tooth decay and ultimate loss of teeth.  With the circulatory problems that the diabetic faces, diabetics are at an even greater risk of developing some form of dental disease. To ensure that you keep your natural teeth for most, if not all, of your lifetime, you should begin to practice good dental care, combined with careful monitoring and control of your blood glucose levels.

To learn more go to Childhood Diabetes and at Managing Diabetes