Why Do Diabetics Suffer From Oral Health Problems Frequently?

Why Are Diabetics More Prone To Oral Health Problems?

If you have poorly controlled blood glucose (sugar) levels, you are more likely to face problems with your teeth and gums because diabetes lowers your immunity and slows down the healing process in your cells. This can lead to frequent oral infections.

High blood sugar can also reduce the saliva produced in your mouth. A common oral manifestation of diabetes, dry mouth can result in tooth decay, enamel erosion, loss of minerals from your teeth, sensitivity, etc. Thus, diabetes and high blood sugar levels can cause several oral health issues if left unchecked.

5 Common Oral Health Problems Caused By Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes and the associated high blood sugar levels can lead to the following problems in your mouth:

Dry Mouth 

Dry mouth in diabetes is a result of dehydration and changes to the salivary glands caused by high blood sugar levels. This can cause decreased saliva production and flow, often leading to tooth decay, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, soreness, infections, and ulcers in the mouth.

Delayed Wound Healing

In people with diabetes, wounds and sores take longer to heal. This happens because your cells require glucose to heal and repair themselves, which is not easily available in the case of a diabetic individual. This delayed healing, combined with  poor immunity, leads to the wounds in your mouth getting infected.

Tooth Decay

Your mouth contains a certain number of bacteria and other microorganisms growing in it at any given time. When you have high blood sugar levels, they can promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth. Also, dry mouth and decreased saliva production in diabetes can lead to plaque build-up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of microorganisms like bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. This plaque build-up in your mouth can eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease 

This is an infection of the gums that could also spread to the jawbone that holds your teeth in place. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss around the world.

In the initial stages, where just your gums are affected, it is commonly known as gingivitis. If the infection progresses to your bones, it is called periodontitis. Uncontrolled diabetes and periodontitis can cause pain, bad breath, tooth loss, etc.

Fungal Infection (Thrush)

Your mouth is often a host to microbes like bacteria and yeast, which co-exist in a delicate balance. High blood sugar levels and poor immunity caused by diabetes can disrupt this balance and lead to the growth of yeast or fungus in your mouth. This can result in yeast or Candidal infections of the oral cavity.

Can Gum Disease Make It Difficult To Control Your Blood Sugar?

Research has shown that gum diseases are associated with higher blood sugar (higher Hb1Ac) levels in people with and without diabetes. Untreated dental and periodontal infections can cause your blood sugar levels to rise, which can further cause complications in diabetics.

How are Oral Diseases in Diabetes Treated?

The treatment method prescribed by your doctor will be based on your age, blood sugar levels and the dental issue you may have. The following are a few treatment options:

1. Dental Cleaning

Removing plaque, tartar or calculus (hardened plaque) from your teeth and from beneath your gums can help prevent the spread of the infection to your bones and teeth. Your dentist may also remove some of the infected gum tissues. This is done by deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing.

2. Medicines

Your dentist may prescribe some antibiotics or antifungal medicines to help fight infections like thrush or periodontitis.

3. Surgery

In more advanced stages of the disease, your dentist may remove the decayed tooth, the infected gum tissue, or some part of the infected bone.

What Can You Do To Keep Your Mouth Healthy?

You can prevent tooth and gum problems by following these simple steps:

• Keep your blood sugar in check by following your doctor’s advice about diet, exercise and medication.
• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Floss at least twice daily, and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Do not brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after eating to protect the enamel that might be softened by acid in the food.
• If you wear dentures, clean them every day. Remove dentures while sleeping.
• Dry mouth can be avoided by drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
• Avoid smoking, as it is linked to an increased risk of diabetes and oral diseases.
• Get a dental checkup at least once every six months or as recommended by your dentist.
• Ask your dentist about home care, early intervention, and regular preventive steps to maintain oral health and hygiene.