Diabetes And Oral Health
People who have diabetes know the disease can harm the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other important systems in the body. Did you know diabetes can also cause problems in your mouth? People with diabetes are at special risk for periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place. Periodontal disease can lead to painful chewing difficulties and even tooth loss. Dry mouth, often a symptom of undetected diabetes, can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. Smoking makes these problems worse. What can I do? Good blood glucose control is key to controlling and preventing mouth problems. People with poor blood glucose control get gum disease more often and more severely than people whose diabetes is well controlled. Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and good blood glucose control are the best defense against the oral complications of diabetes. Health Information For patients Diabetes: Dental Tips This fact sheet describes warning signals of oral health problems as well as practical information for preventing the periodontal complications of diabetes. Prevent Diabetes Problems--Keep Your Mouth Healthy This easy-to-read booklet teaches people how diabetes can damage teeth and gums and how this damage can be prevented. Focuses on proper dental care and frequent dental visits. Part of a series on preventing diabetes problems. Diabetes Health Concerns Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including oral health. Take Charge of Your Diabetes Information from the CDC on preventing dental complications from diabetes. MedlinePlus: Diabetes and Oral Health The NIH National Library of Medicine's compilation of links to government, pro Continue reading >>
How To Keep Your Mouth Healthy
If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to have oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. If you have diabetes and you're over 50, your risk is even higher. That's because dental problems and age go hand in hand, whether or not you have diabetes. The good news is that controlling your diabetes will go a long way toward protecting your teeth and gums. And that, in turn, will also help you manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, keep an eye out for these oral health conditions -- especially if you've already reached the half-century mark. Gingivitis Gum disease is the most common oral health problem among people with diabetes. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is when bacteria cause your gums to bleed, turn red, and feel sore. Bacteria love to feast on sugar, turning it into tooth-damaging acid. Uncontrolled diabetes means more sugar in your saliva, and that means a free banquet for bacteria. As bacteria gather, they combine with saliva and pieces of leftover food to form plaque. When it builds up, it leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash will get rid of it and stop gingivitis in its tracks. Periodontitis If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a more serious type of gum disease that erodes the bone and tissues that support your teeth. In the worst case, you might lose your teeth. If you don’t floss and brush regularly, bacteria and plaque can build up on your teeth. That causes your gums to pull away from them. It creates pockets where bacteria dig in and wage war on more and more parts of your mouth, including bones. Periodontitis can't be reversed and can't be treated with brushing and flossing alone. Your dentist will have to get in Continue reading >>
Mouth Care Basics For Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a dangerous disease because, if uncontrolled, it can lead to complications throughout the body, from the heart to the kidneys to the eyes. Diabetes can even affect the mouth, causing gum disease and tooth decay. Diabetes and Oral Hygiene: A Double Whammy To protect teeth and gums, people with type 2 diabetes must practice diligent oral hygiene and mouth care as well as manage their diabetes. Health complications in one area can affect the other. For instance, people with diabetes and untreated gum disease will find it nearly impossible to manage their diabetes and bring their blood glucose levels down to normal, explains Maria Emanuel Ryan, DDS, PhD, director of clinical research and professor of oral biology and pathology at the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine in New York. "If you have periodontal disease and the breakdown of the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth, that chronic inflammatory condition causes insulin resistance," Dr. Ryan says. "No matter how much that person watches their diet, no matter how many oral drugs or how much insulin they are taking, they won't be able to get their blood glucose levels down. It's really a two-way street." How Diabetes Affects Oral Hygiene Diabetes prompts an inflammatory response in the body. In the mouth, this leads to swollen gums. If left unchecked, your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth. As your gums retreat, deep pockets form between teeth and gums. Those pockets become home to bacterial and fungal infections, filling with germs and pus. Diabetes creates high levels of sugar in your saliva, a condition that spurs on these infections. As a result, "you have a person who is more susceptible to breakdown of tissues and infection — and that is what periodontal di Continue reading >>
How Does Diabetes Affect On Your Teeth And Gums?
There are many health problems which contribute majorly towards the severity of the other complicated problems that one might face in life. Diabetes is one such illness in which the blood sugar level is said to be unstable. It is a well known fact that this illness if left unattended can affect one’s cardiovascular health and also the nervous system. This itself makes the problem sound so complicated. But, there is much more to it. Diabetes or the improper level of sugar in the blood can also affect ones dental health. According to expert dentists who have been practicing in Little Rock, diabetes had been found to be a major cause of incurable infections in the gums. It is held responsible for most of the patients suffering with Gingivitis or Periodontitis. The unstable levels of blood glucose, reduce the capacity to fight bacteria and hence allows them to attack the gums, causing infection that lead to the loss of teeth. It is a well known that a a person suffering with diabetes has to bear with infections for a longer time. They do not get cured soon. Hence, it is the responsibility of the individual to make sure that he takes enough care of his dental health keeping in mind the different risks and the infections that may occur. But, infections do not occur suddenly. There are some minor symptoms which, when looked into at the right time, will help avoid the severity of the disease. These symptoms are: Bleeding of gums when a patient is flossing or brushing. Swollen Gums that have turned red, or tender. Pus oozing from the gums or from between the teeth. Bad breath. Loosening of teeth. When one finds the occurrence of these symptoms frequently, it is time to take care and walk into a dental clinic to avail the required treatment. But, one thing that a diabetic patie Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Periodontal Disease
If you have diabetes, you know the disease can harm your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other important systems in the body. Did you know it can also cause problems in your mouth? People with diabetes have a higher than normal risk of periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place. In advanced stages, they lead to painful chewing problems and even tooth loss. Like any infection, gum disease can make it hard to keep your blood sugar under control. Diabetic Control. Like other complications of diabetes, gum disease is linked to diabetic control. People with poor blood sugar control get gum disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than do persons with good control. In fact, people whose diabetes is well controlled have no more periodontal disease than persons without diabetes. Children with IDDM (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) are also at risk for gum problems. Good diabetic control is the best protection against periodontal disease. Studies show that controlling blood sugar levels lowers the risk of some complications of diabetes, such as eye and heart disease and nerve damage. Scientists believe many complications, including gum disease, can be prevented with good diabetic control. Blood Vessel Changes. Thickening of blood vessels is a complication of diabetes that may increase risk for gum disease. Blood vessels deliver oxygen and nourishment to body tissues, including the mouth, and carry away the tissues' waste products. Diabetes causes blood vessels to thicken, which slows the flow of nutrients and the removal of harmful wastes. This can weaken the resistance of gum and bone tissue to infection. Bacteria. Many kinds of bacteria (germs) thrive on sugars, including glucose -- the Continue reading >>
How Diabetes Affects Teeth And Gums
Diabetes is one of the most common conditions in United States. It’s estimated to affect around 30 million Americans. While most people are aware of the negative health effects of diabetes, such as increased risk of stroke and heart attack, few realize that diabetes can also have a significant impact on their oral health. In this article, Vienna family dentist, Priti Naik, DDS will examine how diabetes affects teeth and gums. We’ll also discuss how individuals with diabetes can maintain their oral health more effectively. How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health? Diabetes is the result of the body’s failure to produce insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar. When the process of blood sugar regulation is interrupted, serious complications can occur, such as damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs—including the mouth. Here are a few ways that diabetes can affect your oral health. Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss – Diabetes can lead to a high glucose level in your saliva. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on glucose, which can lead to advanced stages of tooth decay and an increased risk of tooth loss. Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) – Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria infect the gums. The condition is exacerbated by high blood sugar levels, such as those found in diabetics. In mild cases, periodontal disease leads to increased sensitivity and bleeding. In severe cases, this can result in total tooth loss, infection of the jawbone, and a variety of other dangerous conditions, which will require invasive periodontal treatment. Dry Mouth – Individuals with diabetes often suffer from dry mouth. Proper levels of saliva help neutralize bacteria and wash away food particles. Because of this, reduced saliva buildup (xerostomia) can increase your risk o Continue reading >>
Can Diabetes Affect Your Teeth And Gums?
Did you know that trouble keeping your blood sugars in control could lead to an infection? That infection could be in your gums. That’s right. People with diabetes have a higher incidence of gum disease or periodontal disease than people without diabetes. In this article, we will look at the link between diabetes and periodontal disease. We will look at what it is, what are the prevention and treatment options available, some other oral problems that are also linked to diabetes, and more. Just like high blood glucose makes it easier for you to get an infection in other places in your body, high blood glucose levels also make it easier to get a gum infection, or other infection in your mouth. Decaying teeth and poor oral habits contribute to periodontal disease, as does smoking. We will take a look at all of that here. First, let’s see why Martin contacted TheDiabetesCouncil. Martin was interested in learning more about his high blood sugars and their effects on his teeth. He had been trying to get his blood sugar levels down, but nothing he seemed to do with diet, exercise, or medications helped in aiming his target range for blood sugars or in an A1C range that he was comfortable with. He was due to pay a visit to his dentist since his last visit was over a year ago. Martin’s dentist told him that he was at the start of a periodontal disease, and in addition, he had a gum infection. He wondered if the infection in his gums may be a reason for why he was unable to keep his blood glucose in a good range. An infection anywhere in your body could be a reason for unruly blood glucose. Let’s see if we can answer Martin’s question in depth. What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection that develops of the gum, and underlying bone, that holds the Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Oral Health
People with diabetes have a higher risk of tooth and gum problems. It is important to look after your oral health and control your blood glucose levels to prevent gum disease. Visit your dentist regularly for advice about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Quit smoking. On this page: People with diabetes who have irregular blood glucose levels have a higher risk of tooth problems and gum disease than people without diabetes. This is because they have lowered resistance to infection and may not heal as easily. If you are living with diabetes, you need to pay particular attention to your oral health and dental care, as well as controlling your blood glucose levels. Visit your dentist regularly for advice about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Diabetes is a common disease among Australians, affecting almost 1.5 million people (around 7.6 per cent of the population). The first signs and symptoms of diabetes can occur in the mouth, so paying attention to your oral health can also lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The most common oral health problems affecting people with diabetes are: periodontal (gum) disease gum abscesses tooth decay fungal infections such as thrush lichen planus (an inflammatory, autoimmune skin condition) mouth ulcers taste disturbances a dry, burning mouth (low saliva levels). Diabetes and periodontal (gum) disease Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by an infection that destroys the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. This bone holds your teeth into your jawbone and allows you to chew comfortably. Bacteria and food debris called dental plaque is essential for gum disease. If left on teeth and gums, plaque hardens to form calculus or tartar. The plaque and calculus irritate the gums around teeth so they become red, swollen a Continue reading >>
Coast Dental Blog How Diabetes Can Affect Your Teeth And Gums
Diabetes affects almost 26 million Americans, which is more than 8 percent of the U.S. population. The condition often requires them to make lifestyle changes, including what they eat, how they exercise and the medications they take. It also requires them to change the way they take care of their teeth and gums. About one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease which is causing the gum tissue and bone around the teeth to break down, according to the National Institutes of Health. People with poorly-controlled diabetes had a 2.9 times increased risk of developing periodontitis than non-diabetics, according to a large study published in 2002. The same study found people with well-controlled diabetes had no significant increase in the risk of periodontitis. There are several reasons why poorly-controlled diabetes can increase your chance of getting periodontal disease, said Dr. Dale Nash, a dentist at Coast Dental Wesley Chapel. In the past decade, Dr. Nash has seen an increase in the number of patients with diabetes. "People with diabetes are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection," Dr. Nash said. "Diabetics have high blood sugar, which basically coats the immune-fighting cells and affects the blood supply to many areas of the body including the patient’s mouth." Here’s how it works: The poor circulation affects the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the gums, called the gingiva, and the cells in your mouth that help fight off infection. If the gums can’t get the nutrients they need, then it’s harder to fight infection. Also, poor circulation means the blood can’t carry away bad bacteria effectively. Research shows the functions of immune cells in poorly-controlled diabetics are altered in other ways.(1) One kind o Continue reading >>
How Does Diabetes Affect The Dental Health Of A Person?
They say your dentist has a higher chance of diagnosing diabetes than your physician. It was actually true in my case. During my master’s dissertation I have personally (successfully) referred at least 5 patients to the physician who came back with a positive diagnosis. 1. Diabetes is an immuno-compromised state. So basically, you are vulnerable to develop opportunistic infections like Oral Thrush[1] . 2. Diabetes alters collagen metabolism (due to the accumulated Advanced Glycated End Products- i.e., AGEs). Now, Collagen is the protein that reinforces your gums and provides support to your teeth. So when collagen metabolism is affected, your gums are more prone to destruction, leading to Periodontitis. Periodontitis is in fact the sixth complication of Diabetes[2] . 3. Diabetes makes your neutrophils (which fight infections) sluggish, and affects the expression of certain inflammatory mediators. Therefore, the body’s response in acting against pathogens (in the oral cavity), becomes sluggish. It is therefore not very uncommon to to see diabetics with multiple periodontal abscesses and infections[3][4] . There are many ways diabetes affects the quality of life of its victim. Affecting the teeth is one of them. Luckily, early identification and prompt action can save us a lot of trouble. So if you are a diabetic, make sure you schedule a visit with your dentist for routine check-ups regularly. Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Your Smile
Did you know that 29.1 million people living in the United States have diabetes? That’s 9.3% of the population. Approximately 1.7 million new cases are diagnosed each year—and 8.1 million people living with diabetes don’t even know they have it. Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. All food you eat is turned to sugar and used for energy. In Type I diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that carries sugar from your blood to the cells that need it for energy. In Type II diabetes, the body stops responding to insulin. Both cases result in high blood sugar levels, which can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. So what does this have to do with that smile of yours — and how can you protect it? First, it’s important to understand the signs of diabetes and the roles they play in your mouth. The Symptoms of Untreated Diabetes The warning signs of diabetes affect every part of your body. After a blood test, you may be told by a doctor that you have high blood sugar. You may feel excessively thirsty or have to urinate a lot. Weight loss and fatigue are other common symptoms. Diabetes can also cause you to lose consciousness if your blood sugar falls too low. If diabetes is left untreated, it can take a toll on your mouth as well. Here's how: You may have less saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry. (Dry mouth is also caused by certain medications.) Because saliva protects your teeth, you’re also at a higher risk of cavities. Gums may become inflamed and bleed often (gingivitis). You may have problems tasting food. You may experience delayed wound healing. You may be susceptible to infections inside of your mouth. For children with diabetes, teeth may erupt at an age earlier than is Continue reading >>
Do Bad Teeth Cause Diabetes, And Strokes?
Gum and periodontal disease are associated with an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease and it would seem reasonable to assume there's a similar relationship to ischaemic stroke but it is not clear if this is a causal association or sharing of causative factors Strength of Evidence Relating Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Disease . I am not aware of a link between TOOTH decay on its own and IHD or diabetes. Diabetes is undoubtedly a risk factor for periodontal disease. There is some evidence that there is a reciprocal relationship but this is not clear and I suspect is not causal, i.e. periodontal disease will not increase the risk of developing diabetes but if you do, you may get more severe complication via sepsis. Diabetes and periodontitis Diabetes from bad teeth is possible due to something known as insulin resistance. Due to which blood glucose are not allowed to enter the cell n get metabolized. They are on in the blood stream causing diabetes. If you already have diabetes it may worsen the condition. What diabetes does is it makes the arteries thinner(in long term cases) so the blood supply to those areas decreses which leads to delayed healing n it also helps the oppopportunistic infections to grow more n more. But if you have bad tooth,tooth with caries, teeth with periodontal problems there's a chance that it may cause stroke/myocardial ischemia/thrombogenesis. Hope that helps! Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Dental Health
Tweet Problems with teeth and gums can be more common for people with diabetes, so good dental health is important to prevent dental complications developing. Looking after your teeth and gums is an essential part of learning to live with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. You should inform your dentist if you have either new-onset or long-standing diabetes as this might affect your dental treatment and how often they must review your teeth and gums. Diabetes and dental hygiene People with diabetes who have poor control of their blood glucose levels are more likely to develop dental health problems. Therefore keeping your blood sugar within a normal range will reduce this risk. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and giving up smoking is also advised to lessen the risk of oral health problems. Making sure that you visit a dentist every six months ensures that any infection will be treated as early as possible. Minor dental problems can quickly escalate, and a routine visit to the dentist will pick up on these. In the UK, although people with diabetes are more prone to dental problems, they do not receive any extra financial help for dental treatment. What are the symptoms of dental health problems? Sore or swollen gums Bleeding gums Receding gums Loose teeth Bad breath You should visit your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms; urgent treatment might be required to prevent a problem from worsening. Diabetes and gum diseases Having prolonged high blood glucose levels can increase the risk of oral health problems, such as gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is the sixth most common disease in the world. It occurs when bacteria within the mouth begins to form into a sticky plaque which sits on the surface of the tooth. Gum Continue reading >>
Diabetes & Oral Health: How To Protect Your Teeth
Your diabetes can affect your teeth. Having uncontrolled diabetes can mean you're more likely to get gum disease or the other problems below. The good news: Good habits will help keep your mouth healthy. Diabetes can make you more likely to have cavities and fungal infections. Other potential problems include: Difficulty fighting off infections, including those that might lead to gum disease Slower healing time after dental surgery Dry mouth, called xerostomia, is common among people with diabetes. Saliva is important to oral health -- it helps wash away food particles and keep the mouth moist. When you don't produce enough moisture, bacteria thrive, tissues can get irritated and inflamed, and your teeth can be more prone to decay. Even so, you can protect your teeth and oral health. Here's how. Make sure you brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Use an antibacterial mouth rinse twice a day to help curb bacteria that can cause plaque buildup on teeth and gums. Check your mouth for inflammation or signs of bleeding gums. If you notice either, let your dentist know as soon as possible. Have your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months, or even every 3 or 4 months. Your dentist may suggest stepping up the cleaning schedule if you tend to build up plaque or tartar quickly. Make sure your dentist knows that you have diabetes. Give her the names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take. Make sure your diabetes is well controlled. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist -- a dentist who specializes in gum disease -- if your gum problems persist or seem to get worse. Continue reading >>
How Diabetes Affects Your Teeth And Oral Health
You probably already know that diabetes can damage your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and reduce the body’s resistance to infection and slow the healing process. However, what you might now know is that it can affect your teeth, gums and oral cavity as well. And sometimes, these complications might often end up being the first signs that indicate diabetes and aid in the diagnosis. Frequent gum swelling with pus, increased bone loss in a short duration of time, and gum disease not responding to normal treatment can be signs of diabetes. Gum disease can happen more often, be more severe, and take longer to heal if you have diabetes. Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes The most common problems in the mouth associated with diabetes are: Increased tooth decay – Bacteria in the mouth interact with starches and sugars in food to form plaque on your teeth. In diabetics, the increased blood sugar level increases your risk of tooth decay. Increase in severity of gum disease – Our body has innate immunity to fight bacteria that cause plaque which in turn causes gum disease and decay. However, diabetes reduces your body’s immunity which in turn increases plaque formation. The bacteria in the plaque cause the gums to get inflamed (swollen and red), resulting in bleeding gums. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing, it will harden to form tartar leading to a more advanced form of gum disease (periodontitis) in which the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth are destroyed. This can lead to loss of teeth. Dry mouth – A symptom of undetected diabetes is dry mouth which can be due to drying of the mucus membranes owing to high blood sugar, lack of hydration and/or diabetic neuropathy which weakens the function of the salivary g Continue reading >>
