Dental care tips for diabetes

Dental care tips for diabetes (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

Is dental care different for a diabetic? Due to the difference in blood sugar levels, extra care has to be taken on a regular basis as well as when you visit the dentist. Dr. Shalini Jaggi, Senior Consultant with Action Diabetic Centre that's part of Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, sets the parameters for oral hygiene and dental care for diabetics.

Dr. Shalini explains the risks of poor oral care in diabetics. She says, "Poorly controlled diabetic patients are at risk for numerous oral complications such as periodontal disease, salivary gland dysfunction, infection, neuropathy, and poor healing. Although none of these complications are unique to diabetes but their presence may serve as a sign of possible presence of diabetes."

High glucose level can be a spoiler to your dental care: "The oral cavity of a diabetic patient is at a high risk of various disorders arising mainly because increased glucose helps various bacteria to thrive in the mouth and multiply, causing impairment of white blood cells that are the body's main defense against various bacterial infections inside the mouth. People with diabetes who smoke are at even a higher risk for the development of thrush and periodontal disease. Smoking  impairs the blood flow to the gums, which may affect wound healing in this tissue  area," says the diabetic consultant.

Dr. Shalini throws light on some of the major dental problems faced by diabetics:

"Dry mouth: One of the most common oral health problems for diabetics is dry mouth or altered salivary flow. It occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, which is important for health, comfort and for speaking. Having a dry mouth can be unpleasant and can also promote a breeding ground for bacteria in the mouth.

Inflammation of gums and surrounding tissues (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)

Chronic gingivitis and periodontitis are common inflammatory conditions of the periodontal tissues and is sometimes the first sign of a diabetic patient. A person with periodontitis can experience significant destruction of tooth-supporting bone, ultimately resulting in tooth loss. Poorly controlled diabetes is an important risk factor for periodontitis and gingivitis as the harmful proteins in the gingival tissue causes destructive inflammation of the gums.

Poor healing of oral tissues: People with poorly controlled diabetes have to face problems of quick healing after any oral surgery or dental procedures as blood flow to the treatment site gets impaired. Thus delayed wound healing is a common complication in such patients.

Oral thrush

Although oral thrush is a relatively common and mostly harmless yeast infection, the combination of thrush and diabetes can cause serious complications. People with diabetes are prone to developing a fungal infection inside the mouth and tongue called Thrush. The fungus increases with the high levels of sugar in the saliva of people with uncontrolled diabetes.

Burning mouth or tongue and perioral numbness: People suffering from diabetes often complain of burning sensation or numbness in the mouth or around the oral cavity. Focal neuropathy such as facial numbness is a nerve disorder that most commonly occurs in older diabetes sufferers."

Before you visit the dentist here are some tips you should follow

- Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure as well as the cholesterol levels as close to normal as possible

- Get your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist atleast twice a year

- Use dental floss at least once a day to prevent plaque build-up on teeth

- Antibacterial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum infections

- Brush your teeth, preferably after every meal. Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush.

- If you smoke, consult your doctor about how to make way for quitting

If you are changing your dentist, it is best to inform the new dentist about your history and the oral problems.

Source: Times of India

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