Diabetes typically alters body’s inherent ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 Diabetes often begins in childhood and involves minimum/non production of insulin while Type 2 is called non-insulin dependent diabetes and involves insulin resistance. Diabetes is India’s fastest growing disease- 72 million cases recorded in 2017 and figure expected to nearly double by 2025 (Source: India: Health of the Nation’s States)
Diabetes has been labelled as a slow poison owing to its multifaceted role in depleting your overall functioning with time. Heart disorders, kidney disease, poor vision, diabetic foot and stroke are fairly popular aftermath of diabetes, but your mouth is not spared either. Periodontal (advanced gum) disease and diabetes are closely associated with each other warranting immediate notification to your dentist and frequent follow-ups for maintenance sessions.
DIABETES AND DENTAL DISORDERS
Diabetes may result in poorly managed blood sugar levels boosting bacterial counts in the mouth. Owing to reduced immune functions and ability to ward off infections, gum problems spike up and become hubs of bacterial accumulation which can spread via the bloodstream becoming a vicious cycle. Controlling diabetes becomes difficult due to fluctuating blood glucose levels.
Following symptoms may be encountered:
- Red swollen bleeding gums
- Loose gingiva around the teeth making cleanliness difficult
- Deep gum pockets which are difficult to clean
- Pus around gums
- Dry Mouth due to inhibition of salivary glands
- Altered taste sensation
- Oral fungal infections including white patches, cracked lips at the corner of the mouth and redness of tongue
- Ulcers and generalized soreness
- Spike in dental cavities owing to stagnancy of plaque
- Bad breath similar to nail paint remover due to high ketone levels in the body
- Loose teeth leading to premature tooth loss
Delayed healing after procedures
SAFETY MEASURES
- Quench your thirst with plenty of water instead of sodas or sweetened drinks
- Use sugar free chewing gums after meals to boost saliva flow
- Saliva substitutes are recommended in dry mouth cases
- Smoking remains a big NO NO
- Always keep your mouth clean
- Start using a good quality water flosser to clean difficult to reach areas
- Don’t forget to clean your tongue well everyday
- Regularly clean your dentures on a daily basis
- Constant monitoring of sugar levels and keeping it in check
- Eat a well-balanced nourished diet
- Regular exercise is imperative
- Minimum annual dental check-up
DIABETES AND DENTAL IMPLANTS
Premature tooth loss is a crucial problem in diabetes compromising food intake and overall nourishment. Dental implants, bridge and denture are the only three options for replacing missing teeth. Bridge is not successful if remaining natural teeth have compromised strength and dentures lead to bone resorption with time. Moreover, there is a common misconception that dental implants can’t be placed in diabetic patients. With latest technology and advanced diagnostic aids, dental implants can be safely used in patients even with compromised bone levels. It is imperative to have blood sugar levels under control during treatment to ensure smooth and speedy recovery.
Diabetes warrants lifestyle modification, diet control and frequent monitoring to keep problems at bay. There are NO red flags in dental offices for diabetic patients if their HbA1C levels are under control. Take charge of your oral health and partner with us to help you smile a long way ahead! Specialists at Dental Panache, Gurgaon Dental Clinic, will help you along the journey by detecting problems early and giving long lasting solutions!