When most people think about diabetes, they think about how it affects the blood sugar level, the heart, or the kidneys. But very few are aware of just how much diabetes can impact oral health.
At Dr. F. Keshavarz Dentistry of Brampton, ON, we’re all about comprehensive care, and that in part means educating our patients about the very real, important link between diabetes and oral health.
The Growing Prevalence of Diabetes in Canada
According to the statistics provided by Diabetes Canada, 3.4 million Canadians live with diabetes, and 1 million of these people are unaware that they have the condition. Heading toward 2025, it is projected that this number could rise to 5 million, representing up to 12.1% of the population. Besides that, another 5.7 million Canadians are in a pre-diabetic state. With such staggering statistics, it becomes mandatory to understand the way in which this chronic condition influences various points of health, the important one being your dental health.
How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?
For a person with diabetes, the list of oral health risks is expansive; raised blood sugar levels tend to affect nearly all parts of the body, and the mouth is no exception. It increases your vulnerability to bacterial infection, slows healing, and weakens the body’s overall resistance against infection.
All these factors work in conjunction against good oral health-a combination that may lead to dental defects such as gum disease, thrush, and cavities.
Periodontitis (Gum Disease) and Diabetes
One of the most critical issues relating to diabetes is the higher risk to gum disease. Research has shown that about 22% of all diabetic patients have periodontitis, which is an advanced gum disease. It starts with gingivitis-characterized by the gum being red and swollen, bleeding easily-and advances into the worst forms of gum diseases, such as loss of teeth.
Here is where it gets a little more complicated:
some studies suggest that gum disease can further worsen the control of blood sugar. This in turn would mean that the presence of gum disease could, in effect, worsen diabetes and poorly controlled diabetes would further worsen the gum disease. It is a two-way street that needs attention and management at both the medical and dental levels.
Oral Health Problems Common to People with Diabetes
Besides gum disease, diabetes can cause a couple of other oral health complications, including:
• Dry Mouth: Diabetes reduces the volume of saliva produced, hence causing dryness in the mouth. This situation increases the risk for the development of tooth decaying and sores in the mouth.
• Oral Candidiasis: It is a fungal infection in the mouth. This disease is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. It is a more frequent disease among people with diabetes because of the high blood sugar, which creates a suitable environment for fungus or bacteria to manifest and cause an infection.
• Mouth Sores and Ulcers: Slow healing in diabetic subjects could be manifested by persistence of sores/ulcers in the mouth area.
• Dental Caries: The bacteria are fed by high glucose levels in the saliva, which increase the chance for caries.
Identifying the Signs: When to Seek Help
Fortunately, most of these dental problems and gum diseases can be effectively managed if they are diagnosed early and taken care of proactively. But how do you know it is time to see your dentist?
Here are a few signs to watch for, especially if you had been diagnosed with diabetes:
• Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
Bad breath that lingers
• Dry mouth
• White patches in your mouth-thrush may be a sign of it
• Painful chewing or sensitivity in the tooth
• Loose teeth or receding gums
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t delay. Contact Dr. F. Keshavarz Dentistry today to book an appointment. The sooner you can treat the issue, the better. In fact, research indicates treating periodontal disease can even help to improve blood sugar control.
Prevention and Management: Your Best Defense
Living with diabetes is a lifetime commitment, but maintaining good oral health doesn’t have to be hard work.
Here are some practical tips that will help you maintain a healthy mouth:
Control Blood Sugar: Use the best control possible. The less control you have over your blood sugar, the higher your chance of having a problem in your oral health. This involves regular monitoring and close collaboration with your health care team.
• Oral hygiene: Brush teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Floss once daily to remove plaque between the teeth. The dentist may recommend antibacterial mouthwashes, which can reduce plaque.
• Schedule Regular Dental Visits: It is better to visit the dentist before a problem occurs. Regular dental check-ups, once every six months, will let your dentist catch these would-be problems early and take proper care of them. Your dentist may want you to have dental cleanings more often to help prevent gum disease.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking tends to increase your risk for gum disease and makes blood sugar levels even more difficult to control; hence, quitting is one of the best things you can do for both your overall and oral health.
The Role of Your Dentist in Managing Diabetes and Oral Health
Our dental office in Brampton considers the special needs of our patients with diabetes. Moreover, our team will work with you and your medical team so as not to allow your oral health to be compromised. We provide personalized care and any questions you have with respect to changes in your mouth due to diabetes, we gladly welcome.
Living with diabetes requires incredible oral care.
At Dr. F. Keshavarz Dentistry, we want to help support you on your journey of maintaining a healthy smile with a healthy life. If some of the following symptoms sound familiar, or if it’s just been a while since you’ve had an appointment, now is the time to do something about it.
Call us today at (905)-791-3867 or book an appointment through our website. Let us work together in ensuring the best oral health for all!
