Maintaining good dental health is vital for general well-being. Diabetes affects practically every area of the body, including the mouth. If not treated on time, the complex link between diabetes and dental health can result in several issues. Let’s see 7 oral health complications brought on by diabetes and how you can handle them.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Diabetes reduces the body’s ability to fight off germs, raising the risk of gum disease. Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, can result in loose teeth, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss if treatment is not received. People with diabetes need to practice proper oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental exams, to prevent and treat gum disease.
Dry Mouth
One of the most common oral health issues caused by diabetes is dry mouth. Low blood sugar levels induce dry mouth because they reduce salivary flow. Saliva is essential in protecting teeth from decay, neutralizing acids, and eliminating food particles from the mouth. Too little saliva increases the risk of oral infections, gum disease, and cavities in people. Drinking lots of water and using sugar-free gum or lozenges will help reduce the symptoms of dry mouth.
Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)
Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making a person more vulnerable to fungal infections like oral thrush. Swallowing may be painful or challenging if you have thrush. On the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth, it appears as white, creamy patches. Dental thrush can be prevented and treated by good dental hygiene, blood sugar control, and foods high in probiotics.
Delayed Wound Healing
Elevated blood sugar levels might hinder the body’s capacity to mend injuries, especially oral wounds. In those with diabetes, even relatively minor oral injuries like cuts or ulcers may take longer to heal. Preventing problems and promoting healing necessitates proper wound care, maintaining ideal blood sugar levels, and rapid dental treatment for mouth injuries.
Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Risk of tooth decay increases with diabetes as it raises salivary glucose levels, which create the perfect habitat for bacteria to grow. Furthermore, by lessening the protective qualities of saliva, dry mouth—a common side effect of diabetes and several diabetes medications—can aggravate tooth decay. Keeping your mouth healthy and avoiding cavities requires following a low-sugar diet, maintaining proper oral hygiene, and scheduling routine dental exams.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is the tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, which is frequently accompanied by dry mouth and altered taste perception. Keeping hydrated, controlling blood sugar levels, and avoiding acidic or spicy foods can all help reduce burning mouth syndrome symptoms.
Increased Risk of Oral Cancer
Compared to people without diabetes, persons with diabetes have an increased risk of oral cancer. Chronic inflammation, weakened immune systems, and lifestyle choices (including drinking alcohol and smoking) may all raise the risk. Tobacco cessation, good oral hygiene, and routine dental checkups or screenings are crucial for the early detection and prevention of oral cancer.
Here, at Dr Joy Dental Clinic, we have an expert team of specialists dentists who can provide world-class treatments using advanced technologies. If you are someone having diabetes and wish to undergo a dental checkup or facing any dental issues due to your diabetic condition, please get in touch with us at 80037569 for expert advice or to book an appointment with our expert dentists in Dubai.
