Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the human body by creating disruption in the process of turning food into energy in the human body. Most of the food consumed by an individual person, the metabolism system of the human body breaks down the food into sugar or glucose and releases it into the bloodstream of the human body. In the human body, when the blood sugar levels go up it gives signals to the pancreas to release insulin in the body. Insulin acts like a key to let blood sugar into the human body cells for use as energy.
Diabetics patients are more likely to be victims of serious dental and oral problems than others. The more uncontrolled the blood sugar problem, the higher the risk. This is because uncontrolled diabetes impairs white blood cells, which are the body’s main defense against infections that can occur in the mouth. Oral complications in people with diabetes are periodontal disease, dental caries, oral infections, salivary dysfunction, taste dysfunction, delayed wound healing, tongue abnormalities, halitosis, and lichen planus. The high glucose level in saliva, poor neutrophil function, neuropathy, and small vessel damage contribute to oral complications in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. Good oral health is imperative for healthy living. Oral complications cause deterioration to the quality of life in diabetic patients.
Diabetes – Oral health connection
Diabetes affects the insulin producing mechanism which causes several types of oral complications and health issues.The main factor correlating diabetes and oral health issues is a lack of insulin and high blood sugar, which creates barriers to maintaining effective oral health among patients. Consequently, periodontitis has been identified to be the main oral healthcare issue affected by diabetes mellitus and this is due to “poorer glycaemic control”. High blood sugar levels can impact various aspects of your dental health by:
- Reducing your body’s ability to fight bacterial infections
- Slowing down the healing process after dental procedures
- Increasing risk of gum inflammation and periodontal disease
- Affecting saliva production, leading to dry mouth
Things to remember for a diabetic patient during dental procedures
People with diabetes suffer from periodontal disease, an infection in the gum and bone where it holds the teeth in place. This disease leads to pain, bad breath that does not go away, chewing difficulty and even tooth loss. Besides that, diabetes is frequently accompanied by dry mouth due to the side effects of the medication which leads to bad breath, difficulty swallowing, speech difficulties. However, there are many other oral health issues that are caused due to diabetes such as tooth decay where the level of acidity rises, which breaks down the hard enamel shells of the tooth and leads to cavities and tooth loss.
Before Treatment
- Ensure good blood sugar control
- Take your regular medications as prescribed
- Eat normally before the appointment
- Schedule morning appointments when possible
During Treatment
- Monitor blood sugar levels if necessary
- Inform your dentist if you feel any discomfort
- Take breaks during longer procedures if needed
After Treatment
- Follow post-procedure care instructions carefully
- Monitor blood sugar levels more frequently
- Watch for signs of infection
- Contact your dentist if healing seems delayed
Awareness needs to be developed regarding the oral complications arising in people with diabetes. Diabetic individuals should be given education about the increased oral health risks, encouraging regular visits to the dentist, and paying attention to oral hygiene. Periodontal screening should be done by dentists and physicians each time a diabetic individual comes for a visit. To halt the appearance of such oral complications, strategies should be in place to assess and manage diabetic individuals at risk. Managing dental health with diabetes requires extra attention and care, but with the right approach, you can maintain a healthy smile. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and proper blood sugar control are key to preventing complications. Our team at Golden Proportions Dental Studio is experienced in providing specialized care for diabetic patients, ensuring optimal oral health while considering their unique needs.