Keeping oral health in excellent shape is difficult, and it becomes more difficult if you have diabetes. Diabetes and oral health are linked through raised blood sugar. The likelihood of gum disease, periodontal problems and decay is increased by a raised blood sugar level. Before any oral treatment, blood sugar is tested at the practice. Diabetes affects numerous organs, dental health among them. Here are some oral health problems and their typical solutions.
Some oral signs of diabetes:
- With uncontrolled diabetes saliva production falls, which leads to a dry mouth. Decay and various gum problems arise from this condition. Diabetes usually leads to a thickening of the blood vessels, which restricts the flow of nutrients and waste products and affects the whole body. All these factors reduce the flow of nutrients in the mouth, which worsens gingivitis and periodontal problems.
- The white blood cells, the most important circulatory and defence system in the mouth, become ineffective when blood sugar gets out of control. This reduces the tissue’s ability to heal after dental procedures.
- The high sugar level in saliva is consumed by bacteria and fungi. This raises the risk of bacterial and fungal infections and with it the risk of developing thrush and burning mouth syndrome.
Common preventive measures:
- The most important measure is good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
- Keep your blood sugar as balanced as possible. Follow a diet aimed at lowering it. Tell your dentist at every visit how your diabetes is doing. Keep an eye on your HbA1c value. Let your dentist know when and how much insulin you inject.
- Arrange an appointment with your doctor. Ask them to review your general state of health before any oral surgery. All medication taken before the operation, dietary changes and insulin adjustments should be discussed.
- Every medicine you take should be mentioned to your dentist. All this information is needed when the prescription for post-operative medication is written.
- Postpone any non-urgent procedure if blood sugar is out of control. In such situations the likelihood of infection is considerable.
- People with diabetes heal more slowly. All aftercare instructions should be followed carefully to allow for this.
There are many further recommendations for good dental hygiene. Teeth and gums need cleaning twice a year. Plaque deposits should be avoided by using suitable floss and brushing technique. To avoid infection, denture wearers should keep their dentures clean. Dental appointments are an important part of life, and people with diabetes need to keep them with particular care. At Zahnchirurgie Köln we inform our patients about possible problems. Arrange a consultation with us and let qualified professionals look after you.
