Tooth decay is a result of periodontal disease. Having diabetes just adds to the potential problem of gum disease because of poor circulation in the mouth, a common symptom of diabetes. The germs that cause gum disease also affect how the body processes sugar, leading to an increase of sugar in the blood stream which then increases the level of insulin resistance. Having diabetes is complicated enough to control, but making sure that you take steps to avoid loss of teeth is important for health.

Diabetes, if not managed properly, will lead to various issues with dental hygiene. The first problem that diabetics face with oral hygiene is periodontal disease. Irregular glucose levels in the blood indirectly causes less saliva in the mouth and the diabetic will be prone to dry mouth. The drier your mouth is, the less saliva you have to neutralize salivary sugars, which lead to the development of ulcers. Monitoring blood glucose levels is an important part of controlling diabetes and maintaining healthy teeth and gums to prevent rot.

Because people with diabetes generally have poor blood circulation, they may not feel any pain or discomfort until their dental problems are at an advanced stage. As such, the diabetic should examine their mouths and look for any of the following:

• Tender or swollen gums
• Bleeding whenever brushing or flossing teeth
• Pus oozing from gums
• Teeth that seem to be longer than normal or seem to be moving away from each other
• For denture wearers, look out for loosely fitting pieces or dentures that no longer fit the way they used to

Diabetics who are not in control of their sugar level will find that, over time, they will get severe toothaches. This happens because the blood flow to the gums is reduced.  The ramifications to toothaches are obvious – you will not be able to chew properly due to pain. If you cannot chew, you may be tempted to skip meals or not eat a well balanced meal.

If you notice any of these signs you need to see your dentist immediately. Like everyone else, the person living with diabetes must visit their dentists at least twice per year.

Whether or not you have diabetes you should develop good dental care habits. This means brushing and flossing daily.  Use a soft-bristled brush so that you reduce the chance of irritating your gums. Ideally, you should try to brush at least twice per day and once being before going to bed. Make sure to brush your gums and tongue as well. To make sure that your toothbrush is in good condition, change it every three months. Flossing once a day is also vital to good dental health. Always rinse thoroughly after flossing to remove food particles from between the teeth.

Gum disease is a large issue for many individuals but is easily preventable with proper oral hygiene. Developing and maintaining a good dental care plan is especially important to the person living with diabetes. Otherwise, tooth decay and loss can become just one more issue the diabetic has to struggle with. To avoid joining the ranks of the ninety percent of adult Americans with gum disease, the diabetic must be vigilant in taking care of their teeth and gums.

To learn more go to Diabetes Forum and at Diabetes Care

Tags: diabetes and dental health