Diabetes and Dentistry - What impact can diabetes have on the mouth, and what should my oral care include if I am diabetic?

Taking care of your teeth and mouth is always very important. However, if you have diabetes, oral care becomes more critical as the condition can result in a higher risk of oral infection and slow down the healing process. Currently, periodontal disease is identified as the sixth complication resulting from diabetes, especially when the condition is not under control.

Impact of Diabetes on Oral Health

The symptoms of diabetes can start in the mouth. So, it is essential to pay attention to your oral health to diagnose and treat the condition at the earliest.

The typical oral health issues associated with diabetes are:

• periodontal disease
• gum abscesses
• tooth decay and cavities
• fungal infections on the tongue 
• mouth ulcers and blisters that do not heal
• taste changes 
• a dry mouth 
• dark spots in the teeth
• severe bad breath 

As per the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), diabetes increases the risk of gum disease. Having gum disease increases diabetes complications as it makes it more difficult for diabetic patients to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

A higher sugar level in the blood can increase the amount of sugar in the saliva, thus increasing the likelihood of developing plaque on the teeth. Excess plaque can increase the risk of infection, gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.

Gum infections can diminish a diabetic person's ability to process and use insulin, making it challenging to keep the condition under control. This can also make the periodontal infection more severe, resulting in greater bone and connective tissue loss.

Diabetic patients are more likely to experience dry mouth or the development of fungal infection in the mouth.

People who have uncontrolled diabetes can face delays in healing oral tissues after a dental procedure because blood flow to the treatment site can be affected.

Diabetes and Oral Care

• It is vital to be proactive about taking care of the mouth to avoid complex dental treatments in the future. Diabetic patients should ensure that they visit their dentist at least twice every year or more often, if needed, for checkups and professional cleanings. 
• The dentist will assess your risk for dental and gum diseases after analyzing your medical history, family history, and dental X-rays and treat the condition accordingly. The dentist will also connect with other doctors to manage and treat both diabetes and gum disease as effectively as possible.
• The dentist will perform Non-surgical, deep cleaning procedures like scaling and planing as the treatment process. 
• Your dentist will advise you with proper home care, oral maintenance tips, prescription mouthwashes, etc., which serve to prevent further growth of bacteria.

Consulting a dentist is a different experience for diabetic patients; they need more specialized care and attention. 

Call Dental Health PC at (541) 757-1829 or schedule an appointment online to consult our dentist at Corvallis, OR.