Diabetes is one of the major health problems that is experienced by people around the world. The number of diabetes patients is continuously on the rise. It is a disease that affects a number of parts of the body. You might know that diabetes affects the heart, kidneys, and eyes. But did you know that it can affect your oral health also? Very few people are aware of the connection between diabetes and oral health.
Are you still wondering how diabetes and oral health problems are connected? In that case, here is a list of oral health problems that can develop due to diabetes.
Periodontitis
As per the American Dental Association, individuals with diabetes have a high chance of experiencing periodontal issues. Especially if your diabetes remains uncontrolled, you are likely to experience periodontitis more frequently. Periodontitis is a gum disease that is caused due to bacterial infection.
Diabetes causes the thickening of the blood vessels of individuals. It slows down the nutrient flow and waste removal process of the body tissues. This, in turn, reduces the ability of the body to fight infection, thereby increasing the chances of periodontitis.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is often a consequence of uncontrolled diabetes. It can lower the spit or saliva flow, thereby leading to a dry mouth. Further dry mouth can lead to various infections, ulcers, soreness, and even tooth decay.
Thrush
Thrush is a type of fungal infection that affects the mouth. Individuals with diabetes who take antibiotics frequently in order to fight different infections are likely to develop the fungal infection of thrush. If your diabetes is not controlled, the fungus will thrive and affect your oral health even more.
Difficulty in the Healing of Oral Tissues
It is a well-known fact that the bodily injuries of individuals with diabetes take time to heal completely. The same also holds true in the case of oral health of individuals with diabetes. If you are a diabetic patient and have undergone oral surgery, it will take a lot of time to heal. It mainly happens due to the reduced blood flow to the surgery site. Moreover, if your diabetes is not controlled, it may take even longer to heal.
Ways Diabetic Individuals Can Prevent Oral Health Issues
Now that you know how diabetes affects your oral health, it is also important to gain insights into the ways to prevent them. Here are some effective tips that help individuals with diabetes to prevent oral health issues.
- Keep the sugar level under control. Maintaining blood sugar levels close to normal can help reduce oral health problems.
- Visit your dentist at least two times a year. If you have diabetes and want to prevent oral health issues, visiting the dentist is a must. Make sure to test your diabetes level before planning a dental visit. Also, inform your dentist about all the important medications you take for diabetes control. It can help the dentist to provide you with the right treatment to enhance your oral health.
- Practice brushing your teeth after all your meal.
Conclusion
By now, you must be well aware of the connection between diabetes and oral health. So, it’s time to visit a dentist and get appropriate care at the right time. If you are looking for the best dentists who can treat individuals with diabetes, Dentist Near Me is an ideal option. Dentist Near Me can help you find dental professionals who can offer you the right treatment to improve your oral health. Book your appointment and get the best solutions for your dental health problems!
