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Diabetes and oral health
Diabetes and oral health -- Posted by Gumbo on 05-17-05 04:26
Diabetes and oral health
Diabetes affects millions of Americans each year. If you have been diagnosed
with diabetes, you may know that the disease can cause problems with your
eyes, nerves, kidneys and heart, as well as other parts of your body.
Diabetes can lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing
process.
The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are
a.. tooth decay;
b.. periodontal (gum) disease;
c.. salivary gland dysfunction;
d.. fungal infections;
e.. lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease);
f.. infection and delayed healing;
g.. taste impairment.
It's important to keep your medical records up to date. Let your dentist
know the following: if you have been diagnosed with diabetes; if the disease
is under control; if there has been any other change in your medical
history; the names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are
taking.
Diet and Tooth Decay
When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may
help bacteria thrive. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and
cleaning once a day between your teeth with floss or an inter dental cleaner
helps remove decay-causing plaque.
Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden (calcify) into calculus, or
tartar. When tartar collects above the gum line, it becomes more difficult
to thoroughly brush and clean between teeth. This can create conditions that
lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth.
Because diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, the gums are
among the tissues likely to be affected. Periodontal diseases are infections
of the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place.
Periodontal disease often is linked to the control of diabetes. For example,
patients with inadequate blood sugar control appear to develop periodontal
disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than do
people who have good control of their diabetes.
See your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following:
a.. gums that bleed easily;
b.. red, swollen or tender gums;
c.. gums that have pulled away from the teeth;
d.. pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed;
e.. persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth;
f.. permanent teeth that are loose or separating;
g.. any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite;
h.. any change in the fit of partial dentures.
Fungal Infections
Bacteria, viruses and fungi occur naturally in the mouth. The body's natural
defenses and regular oral hygiene generally keep them in check. However,
under some situations, they may proliferate and impede or defeat the body's
defenses.
Oral candidiasis, a fungal infection in the mouth, appears to occur more
frequently among people with diabetes, including those who wear dentures. If
you smoke, have high blood glucose levels or often are required to take
antibiotics, you are more likely to have a problem with fungal infections in
your mouth.
Diminished salivary flow and an increase in salivary glucose levels create
an attractive environment for fungal infections such as thrush. Thrush
produces white (or sometimes red) patches in the mouth that may be sore or
may become ulcers. It may attack the tongue, causing a painful, burning
sensation. It also can cause difficulty in swallowing and compromise your
ability to taste.
Your dentist may prescribe antifungal medications to treat this condition.
Good oral hygiene is critical.
Caring for Your Teeth
Preventive oral health care, including professional cleanings at the dental
office, is important if you are to control the progression of periodontal
disease and other oral health problems. Regular dental checkups and
periodontal screenings are important for evaluating overall dental health
and for treating dental problems in their initial stages. Your dentist may
recommend more frequent evaluations and preventive procedures, such as teeth
cleaning, to maintain good oral health.
Choose oral care products that display the American Dental Association's
Seal of Acceptance, an important symbol of a dental product's safety and
effectiveness when the products are used as directed.
In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing or using an inter dental
cleaner once a day, your dentist may suggest using an anti microbial mouth
rinse or toothpaste to control gingivitis.
Watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact the dental office
immediately when a problem arises. Practice good oral hygiene at home,
follow your physician's instructions regarding diet and medications, and
schedule regular dental checkups to maintain a healthy smile.
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