Diabetes and Dental Health
Diabetes and Dental Health Patients with diabetes are aware that the disease can harm important body systems, such as the kidneys, heart, nerves, and eyes. Did you know that problems with dental health can also result from diabetes?

Why do dental health issues occur more frequently among diabetics?

High blood sugar is the relationship between diabetes and issues with oral health. Oral health issues are more likely to arise if blood sugar is not properly controlled. This is because untreated diabetes impairs white blood cells, the body's primary line of defence against oral bacterial infections.
Diabetes can prevent the onset of oral health issues, much as research has demonstrated that controlling blood sugar levels reduces the likelihood of serious organ disorders, including damage to the heart, nerves, and eyes.

People with diabetes face a higher risk of:
• Dry mouth: If diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to a reduction in salivary flow. Additionally, pain, ulcers, infections, and tooth damage can result from dry mouth.
• Gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontitis:In addition to decreasing white blood cells, diabetes also thickens blood vessels, which can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontitis. This reduces the rate at which waste materials leave and nutrients enter bodily tissues, including the mouth. When these things happen together, the body's defences against infections are compromised. People with uncontrolled diabetes may have more frequent and severe gum disease because periodontal disease is a bacterial infection.
• Poor healing of oral tissues: Because blood supply to the treatment site may be compromised, people with uncontrolled diabetes do not recover from oral surgery or other dental operations as rapidly.
• Thrush:A fungal infection of the lips and tongue is particularly common among diabetics who regularly take antibiotics to treat other diseases. The high glucose levels in untreated diabetics' saliva are ideal for the fungus' growth. Fungal infections can also result from wearing dentures, particularly if they are worn continuously.
• Burning mouth and/or tongue: This condition is caused by the presence of thrush.
• Smoking: increases the chance of developing thrush and periodontal disease in diabetics by up to 20 times compared to non-smokers. Additionally, smoking appears to reduce blood flow to the gums, which may have an impact on the healing of wounds in this tissue area.

Prevention

How can I avoid dental health issues if I have diabetes?

Diabetes increases a person's risk of developing problems that could affect their dental health, so it's critical to practice excellent oral hygiene, pay close attention to any changes in your oral health, and contact your dentist right once if they happen. Here are some ideas for preventing or lessening issues related to oral health:
Try to keep your blood sugar levels as near to normal as you can. Inform your dentist about your diabetes at every dental appointment. For example, be aware of your HBA1C (glycosylated haemoglobin) level. A level below 7% indicates good management. You are more likely to experience another episode of low blood sugar, also known as an insulin response, if you have previously experienced one. Let your dentist know when you had your most recent episode, how often they happen, and when you took your last insulin dose, if you take any.
Before beginning periodontal disease therapy, consult your physician. Request that your physician discuss your general health status with your periodontist or dentist. Your doctor or dentist will advise you on any pre-operative antibiotics, dietary adjustments, and the timing and amount of insulin (if you take it) if you are scheduled for oral surgery.
Bring a list of all the medications you take, along with their names and dosages, to your dentist. In order to prescribe medications that are unlikely to conflict with the medications you are currently taking, your dentist must be aware of this information. Your insulin dosage may need to be changed if you are receiving treatment for a serious infection.
Delay non-emergency dental operations if you have poorly controlled blood sugar. Abscesses and other acute infections, on the other hand, require prompt medical attention since they spread swiftly. Remember that individuals with diabetes may require more time to recover. Pay great attention to the post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist. Contact your orthodontist immediately if a wire or bracket (like those in braces) cuts your tongue or mouth.

Expert Dental Care for Diabetes Patients

At Dr Kishore Dental Care, we understand the unique oral health challenges faced by diabetes patients. Our specialized dental clinic is dedicated to providing top-notch care to help you maintain optimal oral health.

Why Choose Us?

- Diabetes-Focused Care: Our experienced team is trained to address diabetes-related oral health issues, such as gum disease, dry mouth, and infection.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We tailor our care to your specific needs, taking into account your diabetes management and medication.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Our clinic utilizes advanced equipment for precise diagnoses and effective treatments like LASER gum therapies.
- Gentle & Caring Approach: Our experts prioritize your comfort and relaxation.

Services for Diabetes Patients:

- Comprehensive oral exams
- Periodontal therapy
- Dental implants
- Oral infection management
- Customized oral hygiene plans
- Collaboration with your healthcare team

Benefits of Regular Dental Visits:

- Prevent oral complications
- Improve diabetes management
- Enhance overall well-being
- Boost confidence in your smile

Let us help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!"

Other dental hygiene tips for those with diabetes:
See your dentist to get your teeth and gums examined and cleaned at least twice a year. To find out how frequently you will require examinations, speak with your dentist.
To prevent plaque off your teeth, use dental floss at least once every day.
After each meal, brush your teeth. Make use of a toothbrush with gentle bristles.
Take out and clean your dentures every day if you wear them.
Consult your physician about quitting smoking if you currently smoke.

What are some common misunderstandings regarding diabetes and oral health issues?
Dental cavities are more common in those with diabetes.

There are two schools of thought on this topic. According to one school of thought, germs flourish when persons with uncontrolled diabetes have high glucose levels in their saliva. This leads to cavities or tooth decay, or gum disease and caries.
In addition, diabetics typically have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This makes it more likely for bacteria to proliferate and cavities to form.
According to the other school, diabetics are better aware of what they should eat and the need of watching how much sugar they consume. They avoid eating a lot of meals that contain sugar, which might cause cavities.
The truth is that those with well controlled diabetes do not have higher rates of periodontal disease or tooth decay than those without the disease. The best defences against periodontal disease and cavity formation are proper blood sugar control and dental cleanliness.
Individuals with diabetes experience tooth loss more frequently and earlier than those without the disease.
Diabetes-related tooth loss is caused by a variety of reasons. First, gingivitis and periodontal disease are more likely to develop in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. The underlying bone that supports the teeth may become infected if the illness continues. The fact that infections don't go away as rapidly in diabetics makes matters more difficult.
The good news for people with diabetes is that periodontal disease infection and tooth loss risk can be significantly decreased or eliminated by maintaining good oral hygiene practices, which include brushing at least twice a day (or ideally after every meal), flossing daily, and controlling blood sugar levels.
I am more likely to experience post-operative issues, such as infections, if I require oral surgery because these are more prevalent in diabetics.
People with diabetes are no more likely than those without the disease to experience complications following surgery if they receive close medical attention, self-care that keeps blood sugar as close to normal as possible, and good personal and professional dental care.