Diabetes is a chronic illness that has become dangerously common in today’s times. Over 4.9 million people are currently living with diabetes in the UK. Diabetes affects our body’s ability to process sugar. Consequently, the blood sugar level in the body increases and can affect our eyes, nerves, kidney, heart and other parts of our body.
How are Diabetes and Oral Health Connected?
The link between diabetes and oral health is high blood sugar. Poorly controlled diabetes results in the weakening of white blood cells which are the body’s main defence against bacterial infection. Hence people with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk of bacterial infections in the mouth.
Besides this, the oral health problems most commonly associated with diabetes include the following:
- Dry Mouth: People with poorly controlled blood sugar levels may have decreased saliva flow. As a result, they usually suffer from dry mouth which can further lead to ulcers, infections and tooth decay.
- Gum Disease: Diabetes can lead to the thickening of blood vessels. This can slow down the flow of nutrients to the body tissues, including the mouth. As a result, the body’s ability to fight infection decreases and people with uncontrolled diabetes are highly susceptible to periodontal disease – a bacterial infection. Such people possibly experience more frequent and severe gum diseases.
- Poor healing of oral tissues: People with poorly controlled diabetes suffer from delayed healing. Hence such people might not heal quickly after oral surgery. It becomes imperative to keep your blood sugar levels under control to support the healing process after surgery.
- Fungal Infections: People with diabetes are prone to developing a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue, especially if they are frequently taking antibiotics to fight infection.
The Two Way Link Between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
There isn’t enough awareness regarding the two-way link between diabetes and periodontal disease among people and health professionals. The risk of periodontitis in people with diabetes is 200-300% of that of those without it. Since the linkage is two-way, existing periodontal disease can make it difficult to control diabetes. In the same way, effective treatment and management of gum disease can lead to improvements in glycemic control in diabetic patients.
How to Prevent Oral Health Problems if you have Diabetes?
We have already understood how people with diabetes are more prone to oral health problems. It becomes important to maintain good oral hygiene practices. Besides, the following precautions and preventive measures can be followed to prevent or reduce oral health problems:
Keep Your Blood Sugar Levels in Control
This is the first and foremost and the most vital thing to follow for anyone suffering from diabetes. Effectively managing blood sugar levels can help prevent many health problems, including oral ailments. It will be a good practice to avoid foods with high sugar content, simple carbohydrates and other unhealthy foods that can shoot up your blood sugar levels. Moreover, it is advisable to tell your dentist the status of your diabetes, each time you visit them. For example, letting your dentist know your HgA1C level will help treat your oral issues accordingly.
Speak to Your Physician Before Scheduling the Treatment of any Periodontal Disease
Your dentist must be aware of your overall health condition before planning any oral surgery. So, it is important to consult with your physician before you go for any oral treatment. He could prescribe you any pre-surgical antibiotics if needed. Your physician might also suggest a change in the timing and dosage of your insulin if you take any that is.
Pay Close Attention to Your Oral Health
To avoid any severe oral health issues, you need to pay close attention to your overall oral health. You can do this by having your teeth and gums checked and cleaned by your dentist twice a year. Use dental floss twice a day to prevent the build-up of plaque. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing your teeth after every meal can help you prevent damage to your teeth and bacterial infections. Moreover, if you wear dentures, it is imperative to remove and clean them daily. Also, it is imperative to avoid smoking as it increases the risk of complications associated with diabetes, including oral issues.
If you are suffering from diabetes, it becomes important to be aware of the relationship between diabetes and oral ailments. It also becomes vital to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid any complications and effectively manage the disease.
All our clinicians at Perfect Smile are highly qualified and experienced to handle patients with diabetes. They will attend to all your oral ailments in accordance with the status of your current glycemic levels and will guide and advise you about the precautions and care to be taken by you. This makes us one of the most trusted dental care providers in London. Our practices are spread throughout London and the UK, designed with your comfort and convenience in mind to provide you with the best dental treatment.
So, if you too are looking to search the “best dental clinic near me” query on the internet, just enquire here to find your nearest practice. You can also call your nearest practice directly to book an appointment by finding your nearest practice contact details.