Diabetes and Your Teeth

Diabetes is a disease that can lead to a variety of different health issues, including dental health problems. If you have diabetes, you need to be aware of the issues that it can cause for your teeth and gums.

 

The Effect of Diabetes on Your Teeth and Gums

There are a few different ways that diabetes can cause issues for your dental health. 

Gum Disease

Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two types of gum disease. Gingivitis is less dangerous, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Diabetes weakens the body’s resilience to infection, placing the gums at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation produced by bacteria in the form of plaque. Plaque irritates the gingiva, the area of your gums surrounding the base of your teeth, the longer it stays on your teeth.

Gingivitis symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. When/if these symptoms develop, they need to be addressed by your dentist. If left untreated, gingivitis can get more complicated and develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums and jawbone to peel away from the teeth over time. As a result, your teeth will loosen and possibly fall out.

To make matters even more complicated, periodontitis and diabetes might create a tricky situation. Because diabetes impairs your body’s capacity to repair and fight bacteria, the infection will take longer to recover. Furthermore, periodontitis boosts blood sugar, making diabetes management more challenging.

 

Dry Mouth

Diabetes lowers saliva production in the mouth, making teeth more sensitive to decay and contributing to gum disease. Saliva assists in the removal of plaque and tartar from teeth; the less saliva in your mouth, the more probable plaque and tartar will remain. A dry tongue and cracked lips are two common symptoms of dry mouth. It can also make chewing, swallowing, and communicating difficult.

A fluoride rinse, which keeps your mouth moist and prevents tooth decay, can be prescribed by your dentist. Mints and sugar-free gum can also help.

Dental Health Care at Tim Loughran Dentistry

If you or someone you know has diabetes and wants to make sure that they are getting the right dental care, contact the professionals at Tim Loughran Dentistry. Dr. Loughran will make sure that you are receiving the care that you need and deserve.