For the nearly 24 million Americans suffering from diabetes, it would be surprising to know about an unexpected complication that is frequently linked with this condition. Research shows that there is greater risk of developing severe periodontal (gum) disease for those with diabetes. Periodontal disease is an infection in which your gums start to pull away from the teeth and the area in between gets filled with germs and pus. Without any treatment, the infection can rupture the bone around your teeth, ultimately causing your teeth to fall out.
Facts that Associate Diabetes and Gum Disease
People with poorly controlled sugar levels are way more susceptible to gum diseases than the ones whose diabetes is well within a healthy range. It slows down the circulation and impairs the ability to fight bacterial infections. More so, higher glucose level in your saliva encourages the growth of bacteria and contributes to gum disease.
While poor hygiene is certainly a major factor contributing to gum disease, it can be far more problematic for the diabetics. Smokers, who are also suffering from diabetes, are far more likely to face gum problems than the non-smokers who have diabetes.
Warning Signs for Diabetics
More than often gum disease is not accompanied by any kind of pain. Few of us might not even get to know about them before some serious damage is done. Routine dentist visits can let you identify the early signs of gum diseases caused by diabetes. However, there are a lot of warning signs that you should watch for:
Ø Loose teeth
Ø Bad breath
Ø Mouth ulcers
Ø Pain in mouth
Ø Dentures not fitting well
Ø Puss between teeth and gum
Ø Red, swollen, bleeding, or tender gums
Ø Changes in the way you bite food
Mouth Care for Diabetics
To prevent dental problems related with diabetes, it is really important to get blood sugar in control. High sugar content can lead to more than normal concentration of sugar in saliva and can cause dry mouth, fungal infections, and tooth decay. By keeping your mouth clean and healthy, you can control your blood sugar.
Brush Daily, Brush Right
Keep your breath sweet and mouth free from bacteria, by brushing rightly, twice a day. The correct way to brush is, by pointing soft-bristles of the brush at 45 degrees against the gums. Then use back and forth strokes to clean the chewing surface. Finally, brush your gums as well as tongue.
Floss Everyday
If you are only brushing and not flossing then you are just doing half the job of cleaning your teeth. To clean away plaque as well as food particles caught between the tight spaces of your teeth, floss every day using ADA approved interdental cleaners.
Toss the Tobacco
Tobacco products- cigars and pipes- are extremely bad for diabetics. Tobacco can lead to receding gums and can even cause tooth loss. So, it is best to quit this bad habit.
Talk to Your Dentist
It is significant for diabetics to know the connection between oral health and diabetes. And for any concerns or queries regarding the same, it is best to speak to your dentist.