Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the mouth. The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease ; salivary gland dysfunction; fungal infections; lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease); infection and delayed healing; and taste impairment.

If your blood glucose levels are not controlled, you are at greater risk of dental problems.


Tooth decay (cavities): Cavities are formed when starches and sugars in food and beverages interact with naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth and form a sticky film known as plaque on the teeth. The acids in plaque attack the enamel of teeth, which can cause cavities.

When the blood glucose level is high, the amount of acid formation is high.


Early gum disease (gingivitis)- or swollen gums that bleed easily. If plaque is not removed with regular brushing and flossing, it will harden and form a substance called tartar which irritates the gingiva — the part of the gum around the base of the teeth. Plaque and tartar can be removed with regular brushing and flossing.


Advanced gum disease (periodontitis). – or shrinking of gums and loosening and falling of teeth. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support teeth. In the course of time, periodontitis causes gums to pull away from teeth; and teeth to loosen . Some people with serious gum may have painful chewing problems and could lose their teeth.

Diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows down the healing process , so people who have diabetes tend to have severe cases of Periodontitis. An infection such as periodontitis may also raise blood glucose level , which makes diabetes more difficult to control. Periodontal disease may also make it hard to control blood glucose.

Diabetes can also result in other problems such as dry mouth. Saliva keeps the mouth wet, and dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva.

Diabetes may also raise the glucose level in the saliva which may lead to a fungal infection called thrush , which is a condition where there are painful white patches in the mouth.


Oral candidiasis: or a fungal infection in the mouth, appears to occur more frequently among persons with diabetes including those who wear dentures.

Lichen planus, a skin disorder that produces lesions in the mouth when severe, causes painful mouth ulcers that corrode surface tissue. There is no permanent cure. Medication can only relieve the condition.

Take the following steps to keep your mouth healthy, especially if you have diabetes...

1. Brush your teeth and floss every day.


2. Visit your dentist regularly and inform your dentist that you have diabetes.


3. If your dentures do not fit right, or if your gums are sore, visit your dentist.

4. If you are a smoker, stop smoking. Smoking worsens gum disease.


5. Check your mouth regularly for problems. Check for bleeding gums when brushing and flossing or for dryness, soreness, white patches, or a bad taste in the mouth. Visit your dentist when you notice a problem.

Good blood glucose control can help prevent mouth problems.




Reference:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/Diabetes/DiabetesDentalTips.htm