Diabetes and Your Teeth

Diabetes can increase the risk of serious problems to your teeth and gums. Diabetics who have problems controlling their blood sugar levels can be more susceptible to gum problems such as periodontal disease.

Uncontrolled Diabetes Problems

Dental problems can happen to everyone but those who suffer from uncontrolled diabetes can find themselves susceptible to serious oral problems. The higher the levels of glucose in the bloodstream the higher the chance of dental problems occurring. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to an insufficient amount of white blood cells. A lack of white blood cells will make it harder for the body’s defence system to fight infection. This can lead to many dental problems such as periodontal disease and dry mouth problems.

Controlled Diabetes

It is not always the case that people with diabetes will suffer from dental problems. People who control their diabetes should already know the problems that can occur when sugar levels are left unchecked. People who are well aware of these issues will usually maintain strict diets and take adequate medical precautions. In a lot of ways those who control their diabetes are more informed and less likely to suffer from dental problems. Problems are more likely when blood sugar levels are uncontrolled.

Types of Dental Problems

People with controlled diabetes can suffer from exactly the same dental problems as people without diabetes. However, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a greater risk of certain dental problems. These dental problems can include:

• Gum problems and diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis
• Lack of saliva causing dry mouth that can lead to other oral infections, oral ulcers, tooth loss and decay
• Very slow healing times after dental treatments
• Oral fungal infections such as thrush due to high glucose levels

Diabetes and Smokers

It’s a fact that smokers who have diabetes will have an even higher risk of dental problems such as oral infections including periodontitis. The risk to diabetics who smoke is around 20 times higher than those who do not smoke. It is well known that smoking impairs the flow of blood and can affect healing after dental procedures. This risk is also likely to increase for smokers over the age of 45.

Tooth Loss and Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can mean an increase towards the risk of tooth loss. Diseases such as periodontal disease and gingivitis are serious dental problems if left unchecked. The infection can spread to the bones in the jaw that hold the teeth. These infections are very treatable if caught in the early stages. There may also be healing problems caused by the diabetes that can occur after surgery. There will be certain after care instructions that should be followed very closely to assist the healing process.

Diabetes and Your Dentist

Diabetics will need to take extra precautions when it comes to dental treatments. Dentists will need to be aware of the patient’s condition and how well controlled it is. Dentists will need to know of any prior hypoglycaemic episodes and the frequency at which these episodes occur. Dentists should also hold details of the patient’s doctor and hold information on the types of medicine they are taking to control the diabetes. The diabetic’s doctor should also be informed of any major dental treatments before they are due to take place.

It is not always the case that diabetes will definitely lead to dental problems. For those who control their diabetes the risk of dental problems should be similar to non sufferers. But adequate medical care should always be taken when it comes to diabetes. Dentists and doctors will be able to give the best advice and information on ways to minimise the risk of medical and dental problems for those who suffer from this disease.