• Diabetics are at an increased risk of cavities due to reduced saliva production, poor glycemic control, and weakened immune system response.
• Poor glycemic control can lead to high sugar levels in saliva, causing plaque and cavity formation.
• Proper oral hygiene is essential for diabetics and should involve brushing and flossing at least twice daily.
• Treatment options such as fluoride treatments and tooth implants are available to restore teeth damaged by diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. In the United States alone, 10.5% of the population, or around 34.2 million people, have diabetes. Additionally, 10.2% of the population, or around 26.8 million people, have been diagnosed with diabetes.
While you may be aware of its impacts on your overall physical health, you may not know how it can affect your oral health. Proper oral health is essential for everyone, especially those with diabetes, so it’s important to understand the link between diabetes and oral health.
The Connection Between Diabetes and Cavities
One of the most common issues associated with diabetes is an increased risk of cavities. This is due to the following factors:
Interference in Saliva Production
Saliva is the first line of defense for your teeth, as it washes away bacteria-causing plaque. Diabetes can interfere with the body’s ability to produce saliva, which is necessary for proper oral hygiene.
According to studies, people with diabetes often experience reduced saliva production due to salivary gland hypofunction (SGH), which is also the reason behind the increased water intake by patients. This causes dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia), where a decrease in saliva flow or production can result in increased cavities due to a lack of natural protection from saliva.
Poor Glycemic Control
Glycemic control is one of the most important aspects of managing diabetes. Poor glycemic control can lead to high levels of sugar in your saliva, which can increase the risk of plaque formation and cavities. Studies have found that people with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to suffer from dental caries than those with better glycemic control.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
Another major concern related to diabetes and oral health is gum disease. Research has shown that those with diabetes are two or three times more likely than those without it to develop gum disease. Here are the reasons why:
Decreased Immune System Response
Diabetes can weaken the body’s immune system response, making it harder to fight off infections and inflammation associated with gum disease. Therefore, people with diabetes are more vulnerable to periodontal diseases and other oral health issues.
Inflammation and Infections
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of gum disease due to inflammation from high blood sugar levels. Studies have found that people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from gum disease than those without the condition. This happens because high blood sugar levels make it harder for individuals with diabetes to fight off bacteria in their mouths, leading to inflammation in the gums.
Additionally, gum disease can also make it difficult for individuals with diabetes to properly manage their blood sugar levels because when gums become inflamed, they release toxins into the bloodstream, which can interfere with insulin production and absorption as well as increase blood sugar levels further.
Routine Care for Diabetics
When it comes to taking care of your teeth if you have diabetes, prevention is key. Here are the important steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Especially if you have serious medical conditions such as diabetes, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Beware of too much pressure in brushing, as it can damage the gums. Damages may be harder to heal in diabetics because of the reduced immune system response.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
It’s recommended that everyone visits the dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleaning to prevent cavities. If you have diabetes, you should visit the dentist more frequently, as you are more prone to developing cavities than others. Ensure that your dentist knows everything you are experiencing regarding your diabetes and related oral health issues.
What Your Dentist Can Do to Damages
If your condition has caused damage to your teeth, your dentist can help. These damages may include cavities, gum disease, and teeth erosion. Your dentist can restore your teeth with the following treatment options:
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect teeth from acids and bacteria. Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen your tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. This will also help in reversing any damages caused due to your diabetes.
Tooth Implants
Don’t let diabetes stand in the way of your smile! Even if you live with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can still get a tooth implant option if you take extra care to keep your condition under control. Implants are artificial tooth roots that your dentist will bond to your jawbone to restore lost teeth. This is a great option for those suffering from diabetes-related teeth damage.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful smile and good oral health. However, you must care extra to prevent cavities and other dental issues. By understanding the link between diabetes and oral health and taking the necessary steps to keep your teeth healthy, you can maintain your pearly whites for years.
