There are a long line of health conditions that can be connected to poor oral health. Common oral health problems lead to an increase risk in many chronic conditions including liver disease, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Having great oral health is important to living a happy and long life. Take time each day to maintain your mouth and those serious illnesses are far less probable. Signs of poor oral health include painful or bleeding gums, and loose teeth.
Diabetes – Studies show that diabetes is a risk factor for gingivitis and periodontitis. Those with poor glycemic control have more progressive bone loss than those who control their diabetes. Conversely, periodontitis has been shown to increase insulin resistance. Diabetes is also associated with dry mouth, candidiasis and cavities.
People with diabetes are more likely to have a problem with gum disease because elevated blood sugars make it difficult to fight off bacterial infections. Alternately gum disease is more likely to worsen blood sugar control in diabetics. Hence giving progression to both diseases, periodontal disease and diabetes. In fact, diabetic patients are 2.8-3.4 times more likely to develop periodontal disease.
With diabetes, your kidneys have to work harder to process the excess sugar in your blood. When they can’t keep up, the kidneys also dump the extra water in your body. Less hydration causes xerostomia, or what is called dry mouth. This is detrimental to your mouth because it lowers the PH level in your saliva. An acidic saliva creates a better environment for decay. Also, dry mouth can make your gums swell and white patches can appear on your tongue and inside your cheeks. This can be painful.
People with diabetes should be very aware of their mouth and its care. If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop gum disease. If you have diabetes please follow these steps.
Control your blood glucose.
Brush twice a day and floss regularly.
Visit your dentist 2ce a year and let the dentist know if you have diabetes.
Do not smoke. Smoking is the #1 cause of periodontal disease.
Try a Xylitol therapy of 8-10mg a day. This will reduce the formation of bad bacteria and create more of the good saliva in the mouth.
Rinse and brush with a dry mouth product.
Diabetes Mellitus Considerations
*Poor Glycemic Control *Overweight or Obese BMI
*Xerostomia *Increased Rate of cavities
*Inability to make lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, reducing weight
and glucose self monitoring.
Periodontal Considerations
*Diagnosis of chronic periodontitis *High Plaque index
*Non compliance with periodontal therapy
*High periodontal inflammatory burden
Stroke – Research shows that gum disease may be linked to higher rates of stroke caused by hardened and severely blocked arteries.
Age Related Macular Degeneration – Studies show that periodontal disease and AMD share similar risk factors such as inflammation disorders, advanced age, smoking habits and diabetes.
