Do you have diabetes?
Then pay extra attention to your teeth and gums. Diabetes patients are more prone to develop tooth and gum issues. This might be related to an excess of sugar in your blood. And the amount of blood sugar remains less stable with problems in the mouth. So you can spin in a circle. Here's what diabetes does to your mouth and teeth and what you can do yourself to prevent problems. There are also hints, questions, and answers. This is how diabetes affects the mouth.
People with diabetes run a higher risk of:
• Gingivitis (gingivitis)
• Gingivitis with loss of jaw bone
(periodontitis)
• Fungal infections
• Dry mouth
• Cavities
With diabetes, problems in the mouth are extra annoying, because it makes it more difficult to keep the blood sugar level at a good level.
Gums that are healthy are pink, fit tightly around the teeth, and do not bleed when you clean your teeth.
Inflamed gums are generally red, puffy, or bleeding. Inflamed gums are caused by plaque on the transition from your gums to your tooth or molar, as well as plaque between your teeth. Gingivitis is the medical term for this stage.
A tiny gap (pocket) exists between the tooth and the gums. Inflamed gums become separated from the teeth and molars. This makes that space deeper. Inflammation in the gum line has the potential to migrate to the jawbone. The fibers break and the jawbone crumbles as a result of the inflammation. Periodontitis is the medical term for this condition.
Someone with diabetes is more susceptible to inflammation and infections. So the gums and jawbone also inflame faster. This happens especially when the blood sugar level is often too high. So with poorly 'adjusted' diabetes, where it is not possible to keep the blood sugar level right.
Do you often have too much blood sugar? Then your body tries to get rid of the sugar by peeing often. You frequently have a dry mouth. Saliva naturally preserves your teeth. If you have less saliva, cavities and gum infections are more likely.
Many people with diabetes also have poorer blood circulation in the body. This is especially true if someone often has high blood sugar levels for many years. The blood vessels are then damaged. That is one of the reasons that, for example, wounds but also inflammations heal less well. And inflammation in the body causes higher blood sugar. The gums are densely packed with tiny blood veins. Gingivitis and periodontitis are more probable if they are damaged.
Tip: Do you have diabetes? Maintain a healthy blood sugar level, which prevents many problems. Inquire with your doctor or a diabetic nurse about what you may do to enhance your blood sugar levels.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is another word for diabetes mellitus. It has to do with blood sugar: the fuel for the body. In diabetes, the body can no longer remove sugar from the blood. Too much blood sugar is unhealthy and after a while damages the eyes, kidneys, mouth, and blood vessels. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels are frequently abnormally high. Therefore, drugs are needed to lower the amount of sugar in the blood (also called blood sugar or blood sugar). Diabetes is a chronic condition for which there is currently no treatment. There are different types of diabetes.
Questions and answers about diabetes and oral health
How do you prevent mouth problems?
People with diabetes can prevent dental and gum problems in many cases. This helps:
• Good blood sugar levels.
• Good oral hygiene is extremely important. Consult your dentist or dental hygienist for assistance.
• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and clean the gaps between your teeth with brushes, floss, or toothpicks.
• Limit your eating and drinking to seven times each day.
• Stop smoking.
• Inform your dentist or dental hygienist that you have diabetes twice a year.
Do you wear dentures? Then the same advice applies. Keep your teeth and mouth clean. In diabetic patients with dentures, infections under the denture are common. This is why you should see your dentist or dental hygienist twice a year.
How can you maintain healthy blood sugar levels?
Your doctor or nurse will check your blood sugar at least four times a year. Consult with your practitioner or ask at the pharmacy whether you can also measure your blood sugar at home with a glucose meter. The frequency with which you should check your blood glucose levels is determined by your diabetes therapy. And also how well adjusted your diabetes is. So that differs per person. Consult with your GP, diabetes nurse, practice nurse, or internist. A healthy blood sugar value is (fasting) between 4.5 and 8.0 mmol/l.
When do I go to the dentist or dental hygienist?
Do you have diabetes? Then visit the dentist or dental hygienist at least twice a year. Go even if you have no complaints. You do not yet notice many oral disorders yourself, but your practitioner will see them.
Common oral problems in diabetic patients are:
• Red or swollen gums.
• Bleeding gums, spontaneously, when eating or brushing teeth.
• Pain in the mouth.
• Cavities.
• Teeth that are sensitive or unpleasant when eating or drinking something hot or cold.
• Loose teeth or molars.
• Wounds, spots, or sores in the mouth.
• A dry mouth.
• Altered taste.
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
• Poorly fitting dentures.
Can I have dental treatment if I have diabetes?
If your blood sugar levels are not right, you can undergo treatment on your teeth or gums without any problem. In that case, tell your doctor that you have diabetes. If you have pain in your mouth, you may eat less or consume more liquid food. This can affect your blood sugar. Do you eat or drink differently than usual? Consult with your doctor or nurse and have your blood sugar checked extra.
I have diabetes and have undergone treatment on my teeth or gums. What should I pay attention to?
You may be instructed not to eat or drink for a period of time following treatment on your teeth or gums. This can cause your blood sugar to drop too low, so you could get a 'hypo'. For example, if you have a hypo, you may start to tremble, sweat, or become dizzy. Therefore, always inform your practitioner that you have diabetes. Make an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. Choose a time when you will have ample time to eat or drink before the therapy.
Does smoking affect a diabetic patient and oral health?
Do you have diabetes, do you not take good care of your teeth, and do you smoke? Your jawbone will then be broken down faster than normal. Because smokers have poorer blood circulation in the gums. As a result, the gums do not or hardly bleed, even though they are inflamed. Smokers are more prone to gum disease (gingivitis) and gum disease with a bone breakdown (periodontitis). In addition, smoking makes you more likely to suffer from high blood sugar
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