How Diabetes Affect Oral Health?

Diabetes is a condition where the body does not process glucose properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type-1 and type-2. Type-1 is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type-2 is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when a person’s body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it.

How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?

A doctor will diagnose diabetes with a series of tests. The results of these tests may include a fasting blood sugar test, an oral glucose tolerance test, and a hemoglobin A1C test. These tests are used to measure the amount of glucose in the blood and how well the body uses insulin. They’re also done to determine if symptoms are being caused by prediabetes or diabetes itself.

Most people who develop type 2 diabetes are overweight. Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for developing diabetes. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss surgery can help to prevent diabetes in people who are at risk.

A diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean the end of enjoying the foods you love. You can still enjoy sugary treats in moderation as long as you practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing at least once a day, and eating a balanced diet free of sweets and sodas.

If a patient has symptoms of diabetes and blood sugar levels are high, the doctor may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms and prevent complications. Early diagnosis is important when it comes to treating diabetes. By keeping the blood glucose levels under control, it’s possible to reverse the damages that diabetes may cause in the body over time.

What Causes Diabetes?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that occurs when bacteria infect the gum tissues. When this condition is left untreated, it can lead to the development of periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, the condition can eventually lead to tooth loss. Visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups can help prevent periodontal disease from occurring in the first place. If you have a family history of diabetes, you’re at a higher risk of developing the disease yourself. Controlling your blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of experiencing adverse health effects due to diabetes.

How Does Diabetes Relate to Oral Health?

People with diabetes are at an increased risk for gum disease and other periodontal issues. Inflammation caused by diabetes interferes with the body’s ability to fight infection, including infections in the mouth. As a result, people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontal diseases. And when periodontitis is present, it’s more difficult to manage blood sugar levels. In severe cases, uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to ketoacidosis. This condition occurs when the body starts breaking down fat for use as energy, which can cause a buildup of ketones in the blood. This disease can be life-threatening and is often the cause of comas among diabetics.

In addition to increasing the risk of gum disease, untreated cavities or tooth decay can also impact blood sugar control and lead to the progression of diabetes. These issues are the result of the same process: inflammation. The body’s inflammatory response to a cavity or tooth abscess causes blood sugar levels to rise. And in diabetic patients who already have trouble controlling their blood sugar, these levels can easily spiral out of control.

The best way to manage diabetes and your oral health is by maintaining good oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist regularly. By practicing good habits at home, you can avoid many of the issues that can impact your dental health and diabetes management. Brushing and flossing daily will remove plaque buildup that can lead to decay and infection. And seeing your dentist every six months will allow them to catch any problems early when treatment is much easier and less involved.

At-home care is important, but it may not be enough on its own. Your dentist will be able to keep a close eye on the health of your gums and examine your teeth to look for any developing problems. The sooner these issues are addressed, the easier they will be to treat—and the less impact they will have on your diabetes management.

If you wish to learn more, make an appointment with our dental experts. Visit us at Steven H. Brenman DMD, 1311 Bay St, Staten Island NY 10305. Call us to book an appointment at 718-650-2199.