Dental Care for Diabetics

Diabetes has several effects on the body, including your oral health.  Dental problems are some of the most widely seen effects of this disease.  It is not necessary that the impact that this disease has on your oral health must be serious or permanent in nature. Persons who are able to control their diabetes may not see serious effects of the disease on their oral health. However, when blood sugar levels rise dramatically, then there can be serious impact on the gums, tongue, teeth etc.

Why diabetics are at risk for oral disease

When blood sugar levels are uncontrolled, it affects white blood cells which are the body’s first line of defense against infections. This makes diabetics more susceptible to bacterial oral infections, like gum disease.

Some common oral conditions affecting people with diabetes are:

• Gingivitis or inflammation of gums
• Periodontal disease or gum disease
• Xerostomia or dry mouth
• Oral inflammation of mouth or tongue
• Oral candidiasis
• Halitosis or bad breath

Periodontal disease in a diabetic must be treated immediately because of the risk of an increase in blood sugar levels from the infection. Dry mouth may be caused because of diabetes, age related factors or as side effects of medications. It results in a decrease in the production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva’s most important function is that it washes away food debris that can rot in the mouth, and cause decay. In the absence of saliva, oral decay can set in quickly. Ask your physician to readjust your medications, if these are causing the dryness. If that is not possible, ask your dentist to recommend a saliva substitute to keep your mouth wet, and constantly rinsed. Be liberal with the use of fluoride products to prevent decay.

Diabetics are also at risk for fungal infections called oral candidiasis. Your dentist will prescribe anti fungal applications or tablets to deal with the infection. Diabetics also suffer from inflammation of the mouth or tongue. This condition can be treated with the use of topical applications.  Because of the increased risk of tooth decay from all of the above conditions, diabetics are also at risk of halitosis or bad breath. Mouth rinses may not help much, and the patient may have to treat the source of decay before he can expect the bad breath to disappear.

Diabetics may find that wounds do not heal quickly. If blood sugar levels are high, dental treatments like simple extractions or dental surgery must be avoided. It is best to postpone treatment till after you have managed to bring your blood sugar to normal levels. Make sure your dentist is part of your general health team, and that he is informed of your medications or any changes in your condition. Bring your blood test results when you visit you visit your dentist, and make sure your dentist has your general physician’s contact information. Your dentist will have special instructions for you after treatment, and these must be strictly followed. Diabetics who are undergoing orthodontic treatment must visit their orthodontist immediately in case of wounds or injuries caused from wires or brackets poking the soft tissues of your mouth.