Why Dental Care Is Crucial For Diabetes Patients?

Posted by Dr. Sunitha Prasad on November 30th, 2017

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes higher levels of blood sugar within the human body. People suffering from diabetes do not only have control higher sugar levels but it is of paramount importance for them to take great care of their dental health. Diabetes can chronically affect the entire metabolic system within the body including the teeth, which if left ignored can cause serious health issues. The body’s poor management of the blood sugar poses a greater risk for healthier gum and teeth. It is therefore strictly advised to visit a dental clinic in Rajajinagar for adopting preventive measures to avoid oral complications.

Dental risks associated with Diabetic patients:

Whether a patient is suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the key to controlling oral diseases is to manage blood sugar levels. Inability to do so may cause the following problems:

• Tooth decay- Tooth decay is also known as cavities. When sugar and starch present in your food and beverages interact with the bacteria present in your mouth, it forms a sticky film known as plaque. This plaque gets deposited over your teeth and destroys the tooth enamel resulting into cavities. Since diabetic patients have higher sugar levels, the chances of developing plaque rise considerably.
• Gum diseases- Gum diseases may be characterized into early and advanced stages. Early stages of gum diseases are known as gingivitis. It starts with the sedimentation of plaque on the teeth. When this plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it develops into a harder form known as tartar. Tartar further irritates the gum line around the base of the teeth resulting into swelling of the gums which is then preceded by bleeding.
  Advanced stages may result into periodontitis. When gingivitis is left untreated, it may lead to infection of the soft tissues supporting the teeth. This infection may cause degeneration of the gums and surrounding tissues eventually resulting into tooth-fall.
• Dry Mouth- The decreased saliva production due to diabetes can lead to a dry mouth. The condition may further result into soreness, ulcers within the mouth, infection and even tooth decay.

Tips for proper dental care:

Dental clinics in Jayanagar offer the following tips for better oral hygiene-

1. Commit towards controlling your blood sugar level and follow up on your doctor’s advice on how to do so.
2. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush. It is advisable to use toothpaste which contains fluoride.
3. Flossing at least once daily to prevent plaque buildup.
4. Make your dentist aware of your diabetic condition. This would help your dentist offer personalized care and evaluate all medical conditions before performing a dental treatment.
5. Quit smoking as this would mitigate serious diabetic complications including gum diseases.

Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of oral diseases and always need to look out for possible oral complications. Regular visits to a dentist in Bangalore will help you fight teeth and gum diseases and have a lifetime of good oral hygiene.