Studies show that diabetes and oral health are closely linked. If you have diabetes, when your blood sugar level is high, chances are that your saliva has a high sugar level too. Which leads us to the next question: Does having diabetes make you prone to oral problems?
Sadly, the answer is yes. Having diabetes means that you’re at a higher risk of getting oral diseases. This is because the medications and increased blood sugar can lead to changes within your mouth.
Your inflammatory response also plays a part. People with diabetes have more of an inflammatory response, which could mean the loss of tissue that supports the teeth. This could result in a tooth becoming so loose that it has to be removed.
Diabetes and Oral Health: 4 Ways The Disease Can Cause Dental Issues
Diabetes can cause drier mouths
An increase in blood sugar comes with a decrease in saliva production. High blood sugar can also damage blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease — which then causes xerostomia (dry mouth). Not only that, but some diabetes medications cause a variety of side effects, including drier mouths.
Diabetes can lead to tooth decay
An increase in sugar in your blood is also an increase in sugar in your saliva. This feeds the bacteria in your mouth and creates an acid that damages your teeth. Because the enzymes in saliva combat bacteria, the damage can grow worse when combined with xerostomia.
Diabetes can increase plaque
Bacteria just love their free food, and your mouth is the perfect place to find that. After being attracted by the glucose in your saliva, they’ll feast on the remains of your meal that get stuck between your teeth. Then they’ll mix with sugar and starch to form plaque, a sticky film. More sugar, more plaque.
Diabetes can lead to gum disease
We know sugar lures in bacteria like nothing else. Unfortunately, bacteria gathering is never good for your teeth. Among the myriad strains of bacteria that can exist in your mouth (over 700!), bacteria that cause gum disease can also make themselves feel welcome.
Two types in particular commonly inflame the gums and cause gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become periodontitis (the severe form) and end in receding gums and loss of teeth.
The Good News
Oral disease does not happen overnight. Although diabetes and oral health are closely connected, it does not automatically mean that you will have a dental problem just because your blood sugar level is high.
Practicing good dental habits, managing your diabetes, and visiting your dental practitioner regularly can prevent mouth diseases from happening.
Maintain A Healthy Smile in Spite of Diabetes
Brush twice a day, floss, and visit your dental practitioner at least twice a year. Schedule a visit with us by calling 541-708-6288.
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